MARKET VISIT: Muhyiddin (fourth right) visiting the traders at Medan Niaga Satok. He was accompanied by Taib (fifth right), Noh Omar (third right) and Badruddin (second right) after the launch. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

KUCHING: Medan Niaga Satok is set to become a model market for the country, said Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Datuk Seri Noh Omar yesterday.

The RM46.6 million market which sits on a five-hectare piece of land houses 2,241 business lots, making it the biggest open concept market in Malaysia.

Speaking at the official opening of the market by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Noh Omar added that Medan Niaga Satok is a symbol of success for the BN government and was in line with its blue ocean strategy.

“I urge all state and federal agencies under the ministry of agriculture and agro-based Industry to make full use of the facilities at Medan Niaga Satok.”

He said among supporting activities that could be held at the market were entrepreneurship programmes and food processing courses.

“Participants from outside Sarawak will also be encouraged to visit and learn from Medan Niaga Satok.”

He told those present that the idea behind the market was mooted by Muhyiddin who held the portfolio of Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry in 2007.

Minister of Tourism Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, who also spoke, said the market was an important landmark to highlight rapid developments taking place in the area.

Medan Niaga Satok is divided into seven zones; sunday market, wet market (Block B), dry market (Block C), plaza (Block D), wholesale market, food stalls (Benteng) and the Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (FAMA) office.

Also present were Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, his deputy Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang and Fama chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Paduka Badruddin Amiruldin.

(Source : Borneo Post Online,29 January 2013)