KUALA LUMPUR: Business groups and trader associations are providing affordable bazaar lots for vendors during the Ramadan.
Gemilang Ramadan Aidilfitri organiser Azmira Sidek said 44 lots would be rented out at an affordable RM33 per day.
In collaboration with Koffee Kaw and Strand Mall, the Gemilang Ramadan Aidilfitri aims to help vendors with their operating cost, transportation and manpower.
"It is not easy to convince vendors to operate at the Strand Mall if you charge them the market rate. This is also our way of promoting the mall as it is our first time organising a Ramadan bazaar," she said.
The programme also helps vendors who are unable to obtain bazaar lots from city councils or the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
"People need to book in advance and pay up RM400 to RM500 to get lots from city councils or DBKL.
"Those who were unable to secure lots are welcome to join us at Strand Mall.
"There are 10 lots left for vendors."
Some of the amenities provided by the mall include canopies, tables, power supply, chairs and parking space.
The covered bazaar is located outside the mall.
"We also have tight security here. Vendors can leave their goods at the mall," Azmira said.
Separately, Malaysian Federation of Hawkers and Petty Traders Association president Datuk Seri Rosli Sulaiman hopes more vendors will take part in Ramadan bazaars.
Rosli said he had spoken with Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah on not opening tenders to foreign vendors.
He said Ramadan bazaars under four associations, namely Federal Territory Bumiputera Traders Association, Federal Territory Night Market Association, Malaysian Retailers Association and Malaysian Federation of Hawkers and Petty Traders Association, would be placed at 40 districts in Kuala Lumpur.
In terms of rental, it has been reduced by RM100 to RM800.
Rosli added that traders who abided by DBKL rules would get back their RM1,000 deposit.
"We will provide the tents, tables and waste control management."
Meanwhile, DBKL will not enforce any new standard operating procedures on vendors.
There are 63 bazaars approved by DBKL, with two of them under its supervision (Bazar Aidilfitri @ Lorong TAR with 216 lots and Bazaar Ramadan @ TLK Taman Tasik Permaisuri with 160 lots).
The Ramadan bazaar will operate from 3pm to 8pm while the Aidilfitri bazaar is from 10am to midnight.
The Aidilfitri bazaar's operating hours will be extended to 2am on the third and fourth week of Ramadan.