LETTERS: The lockdown resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic have provided the local authorities a rare opportunity to demarcate, rearrange or relocate the open air markets such as Pasar Malam, Pasar Pagi, Ramadan Bazaars, food courts and others.
Before the lockdown, the local authorities could hardly do anything against this powerful lobby of traders who can count on the support of their associations and politicians.
Many local authorities had tried to relocate or move these traders but with little or no success previously.
The government and local authorities had closed an eye to these major problem as it involves risking livelihoods and support from these groups.
The lockdown, therefore, has given an opportunity for the local authorities to cope with this unwieldy problems due to the new situation caused by the pandemic.
Since March this year most of the traders have been prevented or banned from doing business due to the pandemic.
The local authorities need to act before the movement restrictions end and normal trading and economic activities begin with the end of the pandemic.
Many of these open air markets infringe on the rights of others especially residents and businesses as it is common for them to block roads, cause traffic jams and congestion, accidents and quarrels, even to the extent of restricting entry to licensed businesses, among a host of other problems.
It has also created an influx of foreign traders. Moreover, littering, dumping left overs and waste of all kinds can be seen in the nearby drains and surfaces. The areas around these sites can be smelly, stenchy and breed or attract rodents like rats, making it a health hazard.
These open air markets have become more of a nuisance than convenience. The time has come for the local authorities to reassess the role of open air markets or reduce the need for them and make then cleaner and manageable by controlling the number of traders and sites.
A proper licensing or permit system needs to be implemented to ensure that these markets are properly managed. Some of the practices such as displaying a cow, bull or goat's severed head needs to be banned as it is not only crude but also cruel. There is no need for such graphic and gruesome advertisement.
Children and women can be shocked at this gruesome display. The local authorities need to come with standard procedures and guidelines initiated by the Housing and Local Government ministry to ensure that the open markets function properly without inconveniencing the public.
V Thomas
Sg Buloh, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times