The newlook Astaka In Tanjung Bungah
Following the completion of the newly re-built Astaka Hillside in Tanjung Bungah, the Penang State Government had kept its word to offer the 33 hawkers a place in the food court.
“The hawkers were offered three months’ free rental and cash assistance worth RM2,000.
“However, a number of the hawkers had objected to this offer due to the proposed rental rate of RM30/day (RM20 for rental and RM10 for maintenance fees), which they claim to be too high.
“They have informed the appointed operator that they would be seeking an extension of time from the State via the asset owner, Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI).
“However, as the Penang State Assembly has been dissolved, any matter requiring a policy decision by the State can only be attended to after the state government is reconstituted following the upcoming State Election. Therefore, no decision with regards to their appeal for lower rates can be made until
then.
“In the meantime, the State understands their concerns and after discussion with CMI and the city council (MBPP), it has been agreed to offer the hawkers a special interview for alternative premises in other food courts owned by CMI and MBPP which carry a lower rental rate. This includes many choice locations
such as the Esplanade, Kampung Melayu Food Court, Tanjung Bungah Food Court, Desiran Tanjung Food Court, Medan Renong Food Court, Stadium Food Court, Padang Dato Keramat Food Court, TPS Jalan Johor/Jalan Dato Keramat and TPS Jalan Utama.
“This offer is for affected hawkers who genuinely wish to earn a living and thus applies only to those who are not already currently operating in other venues,” said Penang caretaker government’s committee chairman for Infrastructure and Transport, Zairil Khir Johari in a press statement.