Revitalisation Plan for Kim Fung Market Unveiled

16 October 2025

SANDAKAN: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Vice President and Sandakan City Councillor Chong Thien Ming has announced a comprehensive plan to revitalise the Kim Fung Market, addressing long-standing public complaints over poor ventilation and extreme heat, particularly during peak dining hours.

Chong said the 40-year-old market is in urgent need of upgrading to improve comfort and safety for both traders and patrons.

“For years, the public has endured the unbearable heat when dining at the market in the afternoon. It is time we take concrete action to resolve this,” he said.

He explained that his proposal — which will be submitted to the Sandakan Municipal Council and later to the government for funding, is based on site studies and feedback from market users. The plan will include the installation of heavy-duty exhaust fans, removal of aluminium blinds surrounding the market, rectification of the roof structure, and rearrangement of vendor stalls to improve air circulation and the overall layout.

Since May, Chong has been conducting inspections across several markets in Sandakan, identifying issues such as clogged drainage systems, grease traps, public toilet maintenance, and electrical faults. Many of these problems are already being rectified, he said.

Chong reaffirmed that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Government remains committed to addressing community concerns through tangible action.

“The GRS Government is committed to listening to the people and delivering real improvements. Upgrades are being implemented in stages to ensure long-term benefits,” he said.

He added that under GRS governance, the people of Sandakan can expect continued improvements in public facilities and infrastructure.

“We are a government that works for the people. The progress achieved over the past three years clearly demonstrates our commitment to building a better Sandakan,” Chong stressed.