BUTTERWORTH: Fruit sellers in Seberang Prai-- especially those selling durian-- can apply for permit from the Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) to sell fruit in the area.
Mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud said MBSP had put numerous initiatives in place for them to continue their business despite the Movement Control Order (MCO).
"Due to the MCO, roadside hawkers, pasar tani and pasar malam traders as well as food truck and Ramadan bazaar operators were not allowed to operate. This had impacted them, including seasonal fruits sellers.
"We have two options for them. They will be allowed to sell fruits, especially durian, in business premises which are allowed to operate during MCO.
"Alternatively, they can rent a vacant MBSP business lot in markets and food complexes, subject to a three-month rental period," he said today.
According to Rozali, sellers can submit their applications online at www.mbsp.com.my (http://www.mbsp.com.my/). Successful applicants will be notified through e-mail or telephone.
The Penang Island City Council had recently introduced similar initiatives as the durian season made an early comeback.
Before that, more than 20 durian sellers on the island had taken to social media to sell durians, an initiative welcomed by MBPP Mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang.
Penang, which has about 200 durian farms, welcomed the durian season this month. Each season normally lasts two to three months.
Meanwhile, Rozali also announced that the Butterworth Fringe Festival 2020, scheduled in December, is cancelled following the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Seberang Prai International Conference on Ecotourism and Conservation Efforts (CPICEC) 2020, scheduled for Nov 3 and 4, is also cancelled.