KUCHING (Nov 30): Construction of the new Balai Ringin Market is expected to be tendered next year, said its assemblyman Datuk Snowdan Lawan.

He said the RM55 million project will feature new stall lots, a handicraft centre, a children’s playground, a waterfront park and several shop units.

“All the existing stalls at the old Balai Ringin Market will be demolished and replaced with more than 40 new stalls under the Serian District Council (MDS),” he said in a Sarawak Public Communications Unit report.

Snowdan, who is Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, said this when officiating at the Balai Ringin Cultural Night 2025 programme at the Depo Balai Ringin Community Service Centre on Saturday.

He said the new facilities are expected to create more opportunities for local residents to conduct business and help drive economic growth in the Balai Ringin sub-district.

He also described Balai Ringin as an “exceptional” area as it has been granted a mini stadium under the Sarawak government’s development plans.

“Each division in the state is only allocated one stadium. However, Balai Ringin has received an ‘extra’ facility with the construction of a mini stadium under the RM15 million Balai Ringin Sports Complex project,” he said.

He added the sports complex, which includes the mini stadium, is now widely utilised by schools and various organisations from Serian for sporting activities.