The Kota Kinabalu Central Market (Pasar Besar Kota Kinabalu) in Sabah could soon move out of the city centre as the Sabah Government explores plans to develop a larger and more modern market complex.
The proposed relocation is still at an early stage, with the state government yet to make a final decision on the new location.
Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) has been tasked with preparing a working paper for consideration by the Sabah State Cabinet.
Three locations proposed for the new Kota Kinabalu Central Market
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor recently inspected two potential sites for the proposed replacement market.
The first is a 40-acre (about 16-hectare) parcel of Sabah Government land along Jalan UMS in Alam Mesra. The location has been proposed as the Northern Kota Kinabalu Integrated Market Hub.
The proposed integrated market hub could include a dry market, wet market, cultural and local tourism products centre, hawker centre and fish wharf.
The second proposed site is mixed-commercial land near Kampung Likas along Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, next to Anjung Selera.
The third location is 20KM away from the city in Darau.
New market planned to be bigger and more modern
According to Hajiji, the objective is to create a market that is larger, better equipped and more comprehensive than the existing facility.
The proposed concept would bring different market-related activities into a more integrated development, potentially combining traditional wet and dry markets with food, tourism and local-product facilities.
However, no final site, construction cost or development timeline has been announced. It is understood that the existing market will continue operating while the proposal is being studied.
The future of the current KK Central Market site will also depend on DBKK Mayor’s office which had been asked to submit recommendations on how the existing site could be redeveloped if the market is eventually relocated.
About the KK Central Market
The Kota Kinabalu Central Market is part of the city’s long-standing trading tradition.
Historical accounts link Kota Kinabalu’s market activities to the development of Jesselton as a trading and administrative centre.
Following post-war reconstruction and the city’s expansion, market facilities developed alongside reclaimed areas around the waterfront and Sinsuran.
A historical report records the construction of the Central Market, Fish Market, Handicraft Market and Fruit Market after land reclamation in Sinsuran, with the Central Market complex associated with development in the 1970s.
Today, the market remains an important destination for fresh seafood, vegetables, fruits and other daily necessities, as well as a familiar landmark for visitors.
Article sources:
- Daily Express – Kota Kinabalu Central Market to relocate: Sites outside the city centre proposed
- Borneo Post – Sabah govt plans new site for KK Central Market
- Sabah CM Website – Cadangan pindah Pasar Besar KK keluar dari kawasan bandar
- MalayMail – Sabah mulls relocation of Kota Kinabalu central market
