Lee stops by at one of the stalls at the newly-opened Tamu Desa Pujut 2.
MIRI: The Miri City Council (MCC) has been called upon to carry out events and activities at the newly-launched ‘tamu’ (fresh produce market) in Desa Pujut 2 here as part of efforts to promote the place.
According to Assistant Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin, such promotion is vital to ensure continuing business for the tamu traders.
“This tamu not only provides a place for nearby residents to shop for fresh produce, but it is also a place for local traders to generate income.
“As this place is very new – not many people know about it – I propose for the council to hold weekend programmes and events such as singing performances or cultural shows to attract more people to come here,” he spoke at the launch ceremony yesterday.
Lee, also Senadin assemblyman, said without any effort to promote the tamu, the business might die off and this would result in a big loss for the traders.
“Perhaps the council could also put up promotional banners and buntings to let members of the public know about this tamu.
“There are two schools across the market (SMK Merbau and SK Merbau); the parents of the students can come here to shop for vegetables and fruits after dropping off or picking up their children from school,” he said.
It is noted that the location of the tamu, which is behind the shoplot at Desa Pujut 2, makes it not visible from the two schools and also from the main road.
In this regard, Lee said proactive promotion would be vital to ensure that the market would remain in business.
According to Lee, Tamu Desa Pujut 2 is one of the three new tamu sites being developed in residential areas across the city – all meant to provide places for local residents to shop for fresh produce without going far from their neighbourhoods.
The two other soon-to-be-opened tamu sites are in Morsjaya and Desa Senadin – the latter has yet to reach completion.
Meanwhile, Lee disclosed that there would also be a new Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) market – touted to be one of the biggest so far.
“Fama already sets aside the funding, but we are still awaiting the Land and Survey Department’s approval for the location (in Miri). The first location that we proposed and submitted was not approved – we have submitted a new one.
“We hope to get the nod from Land and Survey soon, so that works on the project could commence,” said the assistant minister.
The launch yesterday was witnessed by Miri Mayor Adam Yii and his deputy Julaihi Mohamad.