Story by NIK NAIZI HUSIN

VISITORS in Kuantan will have no problem looking for handicraft and local products.

They can find local food, batik in various colours, paintings and all kinds of local produce at a newly-opened shopping centre in Putra Square, Jalan Bukit Sekilau, near Darul Makmur Stadium.

The centre is divided into sections known and Malay Town, China Town, Indian Town and Construction Town.

Malay Town was opened last month and the others sections will soon follow.

State Tourism, Arts and Women Development Committee chairman Datuk Shafik Fauzan Sharif said the centre would be a landmark for shoppers who wanted to bring home souvenirs, cultural items and local food.

Malay Town is part of the RM5bil integrated Putra Square project developed by Jasa Imani Sdn Bhd and the state-owned Pasdec Sdn Bhd.

“With 189 shoplots and 40 kiosks, the three-storey Malay Town will be a one-stop centre for products and cultural activities related to local Malays.

“It is located strategically next to the new East Coast Mall,” he said.

Shafik Fauzan, who launched the Malay Town, said the state would monitor sales by entrepreneurs at the centre to see their progress.

“We have difficulties in marketing many local products.

“Local craftwork has potential and the centre will provide easy access of the handicraft to local and foreign visitors,” Shafik Fauzan said.

He said that state agencies would help local craftsmen market their products at the centre by organising demonstrations of craft-making, exhibitions and cultural performances.

“The ‘towns’ will help boost our tourism industry as the opening of shopping malls in Kelantan and Terengganu has taken visitors away from Kuantan,” he said.

He said that local entrepreneurs must be more aggressive in promoting and selling their products.

Jasa Imani managing director Zubir Shamsudin said the adjacent China Town and Indian Town would be opened in the next few months followed by a five-star hotel and a convention centre.

He said the whole Putra Square project was expected to be completed in 2010.