Traders hold meeting with elected reps - The Star

Jul 1, 2008 By DEBBIE CHAN

THE Sungai Way Small Traders Association organised a meeting with their newlyelected representatives, PJ Utara MP Tony Pua and Kampung Tunku state assemblyman Lau Weng San, for the first time to discuss various issues affecting the traders.

Most of the traders were from the Seri Setia wet market and the biggest issue that has remained unresolved for years is the lack of parking bays for market customers.

Due to this, customers would just park their vehicles illegally and they often get summoned for it.

“The lack of parking bays and the strict enforcement has led to fewer customers at the market as many fear being summoned,” Lau explained.

“This is a important issue that must be looked into and resolved because it is affecting the business,” he said.

The traders were also concerned about the rise in the number of illegal petty traders and hawkers in the surrounding areas as it has affected business in the market.

Among other concerns that were voiced out was the poor maintenance of the market facilities, from the drainage system to the lightings.

“The MBPJ has never helped us maintain or upgrade the facilities here.

“They have always expected us to do things ourselves, which is not fair,” said trader Hajah Hasenah.

“On top of that, we are puzzled by the different rental rates charged for the stalls here. Even though the stalls are of the same size, we pay different rates,” Hajah said.

Crime is also a growing concern as many of the stalls have been broken into, especially during festive seasons.

“It’s a puzzle how this can happen despite the market being situated right next to a police station,” Lau said.

Lau and Pua promised the traders that all parking bays available would remain as parking bays and not be zoned for other development.

“The parking bays will not be reduced and I have also written to the police to be more compassionate with regard to the current situation and not be so stringent in their enforcement of the law in this area, but this is only a short-term solution,” Lau said.

They will look into other options, including using the underground car parks available in the Kg Baru Sg Way Multipurpose Hall, which is opposite the market.

“On infrastructure and facilities issues, I believe that the MBPJ should help us solve these problems holistically.

“It has been close to 20 years since the market was built and it is about time that a major upgrade and revamp was done.

“We will request for upgrading works to be included in the MBPJ’s 2009 budget so that there will be resources allocated to improve this area,” Lau added.