The Penang government, through the Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP), will rebuild the market at Jalan Bunga Raya, Bukit Mertajam which was destroyed in a fire early yesterday morning.

    

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the cost to rebuild the market, which had been in operation for the past 55 years, would be borne by the MPSP.

    

"If necessary, the state government will also provide financial assistance.

“We will also give immediate approval to rebuild the razed market," he told reporters after visiting the site of the two-storey market building that was destroyed, today.

    

In the incident at about 5am yesterday, the supermarket on the upper floor of the market building - which contained 420 stalls - was destroyed completely, resulting in losses exceeding RM1.5 million.

    

Lim said the state government had also agreed to allow the 243 traders badly affected by the fire to carry on their businesses in an area near the old market that was destroyed.

    

- Bernama