KUALA LUMPUR: Some wet market built by local authorities have outdated designs and this brings about a risk of them turning into 'white elephant' projects.
Malaysian Federation of Hawkers and Petty Traders Associations president Datuk Seri Rosli Sulaiman said this occurs when the construction of a market project takes too long.
He said when this happens, the design and structure could become no longer suitable for current needs.
"The concept of the markets are outdated. Pasar Chow Kit took 10 years (to complete)," he told a press conference.
The redevelopment of Pasar Chow Kit, formally known as Pasar Jalan Raja Bot began about 14 years ago.
In December last year, Titiwangsa member of parliament Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani had said efforts are underway to complete the upgrade of the market, which has been in limbo for more than a decade.
"Enter the market and see for yourself. The market frequently floods when it rains. The market has just opened yet there is foul odour.
"If hawkers themselves find it uncomfortable, think of the customers," Rosli said.
He said design weaknesses occur when local authorities, local government agencies and developers do not consult with stakeholders, citing Pasar Dato Keramat as an example of such an issue.
"They used to have hawkers selling fresh produce on the first floor. How would they carry crates of fish upstairs? It is irrational to do this," he said.
Such drawbacks are worsened by hawkers who choose the easy way and set up shop just outside the building, causing further losses for traders selling their items indoors.
"There must be enforcement taken against these hawkers who set up (on the roads around Pasar Jalan Raja Bot) and an offer for them to sell their goods inside the market.
"If not, like Pasar Selayang and Keramat Mall, they will become white elephants," Rosli said.
During the press conference, the federation spoke about hawkers and their plight, which stems from stiff competition between themselves and illegal businesses run by foreigners.
Rosli hopes that new Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Paduka Maimunah Mohd Sharif could address these issues.