Little Penang Street Market may close down permanently

GEORGE TOWN:The fate of the 11-year-old Little Penang Street Market in Upper Penang Road is hanging in the air after its final curtains came down today.
After celebrating its 11th anniversary today since its inception in 2016, the mini-organised market selling decorative items and venue for colourful cultural performances has nowhere to go.
Its market's committee coordinator Lyndy Ong said parking problems and extravagant costs in setting up the market were the main concerns for the committee.
She said committee spent about RM6,000 for the canopy and sound systems monthly while the state government also did their part.
She said there were about 90 stalls previously but the numbers have reduced to about 60 stalls currently due to increased costs while visitors have also dwindled.
"We survive here on a very minimum costs," she said when approached on the sidelines of the anniversary celebration.
A vendor selling decorative items known as Neoh, told theSun her business income had plunged about 30% for the last five years.
She said many market-goers were only merely dropping by without buying anything from the market.
"Many only look and see," the 40-year-old housewife said, adding she hope an alternative site will be provided.
Local Government exco Chow Kon Yeow also came to join in the market's anniversary celebration with the committee members.
He said he had mixed feelings over the outcome of the market after the committee decided to call it a day, adding the state contributed RM4,500 monthly for the market utilities.
He said negotiations and brainstorming were being carried out to ensure the decade over bazaar can be continued.
"I hope this anniversary will not be last one," he said, adding discussions were ongoing with the council for further a better outcome.
The market was held every last Sunday of each month in Upper Penang Road from 10am to 4pm.