James Kon
Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin launched the revived weekend market ‘Pasar Kitani’ at the new premise of Rimba Agribusiness Centre yesterday.
Permanent secretary, deputy permanent secretaries, heads of departments, and officials were also in attendance.
The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT), through the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood revived the weekend market as a continuous programme to provide an alternative platform for local entrepreneurs and farmers to market agricultural products to strengthen the country’s agricultural sector.
Pasar Kitani temporarily ceased its operation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the department. Pasar Kitani was held at Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium and then moved to the MPRT’s parking area before the third wave of COVID-19.
The new market is now located at Melati Hall at the Rimba Horticulture Centre, renamed Rimba Agribusiness Centre.
Pasar Kitani’s theme is ‘Hasil Segar Peladang Kitani’. The renaming is to designate the area as a marketing centre for local agricultural products.
The centre will provide 63 stalls for farmers to sell locally grown products such as vegetables, fruits, raw livestock, and agrifood products. Decorative plants, agricultural input materials such as seeds, fertiliser, agricultural chemicals, agricultural equipment, and agricultural machinery are also sold.
The re-opening of Pasar Kitani hopes to provide opportunities for local entrepreneurs and farmers to expand the market and business network.
It is also expected to increase the output of farms to contribute to the Sultanate’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Department of Agriculture and Agrifood also provides facilities such as restaurants and café, food trucks, and exhibitions of decorative landscapes from local entrepreneurs to attract visitors.
The government building – Simpur Hall – is also open for rent to host religious ceremonies and celebrations.
Pasar Kitani will be held on Saturday and Sunday from 6am to 5pm. The operation days will be extended daily depending on public response.
