Sandakan Town Centre Wholesale Night Market Not Closed, but Restructured

28 January 2026

SANDAKAN: The issue surrounding the wholesale night market at the Sandakan Public Market area, which is set to cease operations after 28 February, has caused concern among traders and has also been misinterpreted by certain parties.

Clarifying the matter, former Karamunting State Assemblyman Datuk George Hiew Vun Zin stressed that the move does not involve the closure of the wholesale night market, but is instead part of a restructuring and re-planning process by the local authority.

He made the statement following a courtesy visit, together with Karamunting Community Development Leader (PPM) Yap Hsiu Min, to Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) President Walter Kenson earlier today, to discuss the implications of the announcement and to seek the best possible solution for all parties involved.

According to George, MPS has in recent years been actively implementing urban improvement initiatives, particularly in the Sandakan Public Market area, which has frequently faced issues related to traffic congestion and cleanliness.

“The proposal to reorganise the wholesale night market had in fact been discussed earlier, including the identification of a more suitable location at the Pasar Ramai-Ramai, to ensure that traders can continue operating in a more orderly environment,” he said.

He also assured that MPS would not act unilaterally without consultation and would conduct engagement sessions with the affected traders to hear their views and concerns.

“I hope all affected parties will remain patient and not misinterpret this matter. It is part of urban renewal efforts. The wholesale night market is not being abolished, but restructured so that it can operate at a more suitable location,” he emphasised.

George added that he had been involved in the planning process for the relocation of the wholesale market during his tenure as Karamunting State Assemblyman.

Among the initial plans considered was the phased relocation of vegetable wholesale stalls to the Pasar Ramai-Ramai to help ease traffic flow and improve cleanliness around the Sandakan Public Market.

In this regard, he expressed support for the renewal and innovation initiatives undertaken by MPS, while calling on all parties to view the issue from the perspective of Sandakan’s long-term development interests.