Selangor Wholesale Market should be upgraded – Seri Serdang assemblyman

SERDANG: The Selangor government has been urged to consider redeveloping the Selangor Wholesale Market here, which has been operating since 2001, following a major fire that destroyed part of the premises last night.

Seri Serdang assemblyman Abbas Azmi said the wholesale market, which has been in operation for nearly 26 years, should be upgraded to keep pace with the rapid development in the surrounding area and meet current needs.

He said the fire was believed to have started at about 10.50pm, with the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) arriving at around 11.05pm to carry out firefighting operations.

“I would like to thank the Fire and Rescue Department for its swift response. Within a short period, they managed to bring the fire under control and carried out the rescue operation effectively,” he told reporters here today.

Abbas said the Selangor Wholesale Market serves as a major food supply hub for several areas, including Seri Kembangan, Kinrara, Subang and nearby communities, making its redevelopment a necessity.

Commenting on the cause of the fire, he urged the public to refrain from speculation and leave the investigation entirely to JBPM’s forensic unit.

“Every incident has a cause. We should allow the Fire and Rescue Department to conduct a thorough investigation and issue its official report. There is no need to create unnecessary speculation before the investigation is completed,” he said.

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Based on preliminary information from the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS), the affected premises had been leased to a third party and housed several businesses, including plastic goods and hardware retailers.

He said highly flammable materials such as plastic were believed to have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, although this remains subject to the outcome of the official investigation.

At the same time, Abbas urged PKPS to focus on redeveloping the site once investigations are completed.

“I propose that PKPS and the Selangor government consider redeveloping this area into a more modern and safer facility that is in line with the rapid development taking place around it,” he said.

He also called on PKPS to ensure the fire site is properly secured after it is handed back by the Fire and Rescue Department to prevent unauthorised individuals from entering the area to remove debris or salvage items.

He added that the area should be monitored more closely to address concerns over the presence of undocumented migrants, an issue frequently raised by local residents.

“Redevelopment will not only improve the wholesale market’s facilities and infrastructure but also strengthen safety measures and the overall management of the area in the future,” he said.