HL: Pasar Malam traders urge Kedah govt to halt city council's relocation plan
By Ahmad Mukhsein Mukhtar
Pixs by Ahmad Mukhsein Mukhtar
ALOR STAR: A group of 27 traders from a pasar malam (night market) in Jalan Putra here is appealing the state government to overturn the Alor Star City Council's (MBAS) decision relocate their long-standing night market.
The directive, effective Aug 1, aims to clear the current night market site to make way for new shop lots building, forcing the traders to relocate permanently to Kampung Berjaya market, about 200 metres away.
Medan Putra Traders Association chairman Parwez Ahmad Nesar Ahmad expressed concerns regarding the trader's livelihood, claiming that the alternative location lacks strategic business potential.
He claimed that the relocation would severely impact the night market, which supports over 100 workers and has operated for more than 40 years.
"They (MBAS) gave no other reason except for developing this area. However, development won't occur by wiping out the business activities that have thrived here for 44 years.
"In 2010, traders were temporarily moved to the alternative location for six months for upgrade works but the alternative location proved not so strategic for business, leading to significant losses for many traders.
"Thus, we hope Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor will intervene in this matter. These are traders who are being oppressed and impacted," he said during a peaceful protest yesterday.
Parwez said the traders had filed complaints with the Menteri Besar's office and claimed that on Monday, an official from the Menteri Besar's office told them that they could continue operating at their current location.
However, he said MBAS was still adamant to proceed with the plan to relocate them.
"Every trader here has lodged a police report against MBAS within this week, urging the authorities to investigate any potential foul play involved because MBAS is acting against the state government's decision," he said.
Medan Putra Traders Association deputy chairman Norhayati Murad said they have also raised the issue to Suka Menanti assemblyman Dzowahir Ab Ghani on March 19.
"We have reached out to the relevant authorities, and Dzowahir even instructed MBAS to allow us to continue our businesses here forever.
"However, in July, MBAS issued notices telling us to relocate," she claimed.
Norhayati also expressed concern the relocation would strain the traders financially, as they would need to invest more to prepare their business premises at the new site.
Meanwhile, MBAS Environmental Health Department director Khairuddin Idris confirmed the council's decision to relocate the pasar malam site to Kampung Berjaya market.
He said MBAS made the decision during a Licensing Subcommittee Meeting on July 16.
"MBAS has decided to relocate the pasar malam to Kampung Berjaya market, offering a more organised trading area, a better environment for all, and improved traffic flow with ample parking.
"The new site will be opened and if there's additional space, we will open it to new traders as well, the old site will be closed. The official opening date for the new market will be announced on a later date," he said.
He also stressed MBAS have not received any instruction from the Menteri Besar's office regarding the traders' request to remain at their current location.