The Star, Monday July 22, 2013
MPKj
Enforcement Department officers placing traffic cones and closing off a
portion of Jalan Reko Sentral 1 to prevent Ramadan bazaar traders from
setting up stalls at Reko Sentral, Kajang.
THE Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) is firm in its decision to not allow a Ramadan bazaar to operate at Reko Sentral, Kajang.
“MPKj did not issue any trading permits for the site, in line with the Selangor Economic Action Council’s (MTES) decision in August last year not to have a Ramadan bazaar at Reko Sentral.
“This is due to complaints of traffic congestion, access problems and objections from Reko Sentral shopowners that their businesses were affected by the bazaar,” said MPKj Licensing Department deputy director Mohammad Izuddin Ramli.
To ensure that traders do not set up any stalls, Enforcement Department director Shariman Mohd Nor said MPKj had two trucks and officers stationed at Jalan Reko Sentral 1, outside Econsave, to monitor the situation.
“Some traders attempted to build canopies under the TNB pylons next to Jalan Reko Sentral 2 on July 11, but MPKj took them down.
“We will have MPKj trucks and officers stationed at the site until the end of Ramadan to prevent any untoward incidents,” he said.
According to Shariman, approval was initially given in 2010 for the first Ramadan bazaar at Reko Sentral, Kajang.
“The bazaar site then was located under the TNB pylons.
“However, TNB later said that under its regulations, the land where TNB pylons are located can only be used for agriculture purposes or as parking space. The following year, the Ramadan bazaar carnival was relocated to Jalan Reko Sentral 1, in front of Econsave.
“However, that resulted in a host of traffic and parking problems. The area was a mess and shopowners complained their businesses were badly affected.
“MPKj decided against issuing trading permits last year, but some stubborn traders still proceeded with the bazaar. The matter was referred to MTES and by the time a decision was made, Ramadan had come to an end,” he said, adding that there were some 60 to 70 stalls.
When MPKj opened applications for Ramadan bazaar trading sites this year, Izuddin said the Reko Sentral Ramadan bazaar organiser Taman Langat Jaya Residents’ Association submitted an application.
“Their representative submitted an application form in late April, but MPKj informed them that a bazaar could not be held at the site.
“This year, there are only two locations in Kajang where Ramadan bazaars can be held — in front of Metro Point and Plaza Metro Kajang. Only Raya-related items like clothing can be sold.
“Meanwhile, there are 28 Ramadan bazaar sites offering buka puasa fare in areas under MPKj’s administration,” said Izuddin.
Flower and decor shopowner Hasbullah Harun said his shop experienced at least a 30% drop in sales during previous years when the carnival was held in Reko Sentral.
“The situation was quite chaotic. The bazaar’s canopies blocked our shops from view.
“Garbage collection trucks and delivery vehicles also had problems accessing the commercial area,” said Hasbullah, 51, who has been trading for three years.
“A Ramadan bazaar should be located in a proper place where there is easy access, and not deprive other businesses of opportunities.”
However, restaurant operator Zura Ihah felt that the carnival should be allowed.
“MPKj can impose conditions like ensuring the stalls do not block access or visibility of the shops, or relocate the site to another corner of Reko Sentral.
“The bazaar added a festive atmosphere and drew many visitors to Reko Sentral, with some shopowners reporting that business had improved,” said the 35-year-old.
“MPKj did not issue any trading permits for the site, in line with the Selangor Economic Action Council’s (MTES) decision in August last year not to have a Ramadan bazaar at Reko Sentral.
“This is due to complaints of traffic congestion, access problems and objections from Reko Sentral shopowners that their businesses were affected by the bazaar,” said MPKj Licensing Department deputy director Mohammad Izuddin Ramli.
To ensure that traders do not set up any stalls, Enforcement Department director Shariman Mohd Nor said MPKj had two trucks and officers stationed at Jalan Reko Sentral 1, outside Econsave, to monitor the situation.
“Some traders attempted to build canopies under the TNB pylons next to Jalan Reko Sentral 2 on July 11, but MPKj took them down.
“We will have MPKj trucks and officers stationed at the site until the end of Ramadan to prevent any untoward incidents,” he said.
According to Shariman, approval was initially given in 2010 for the first Ramadan bazaar at Reko Sentral, Kajang.
“The bazaar site then was located under the TNB pylons.
“However, TNB later said that under its regulations, the land where TNB pylons are located can only be used for agriculture purposes or as parking space. The following year, the Ramadan bazaar carnival was relocated to Jalan Reko Sentral 1, in front of Econsave.
“However, that resulted in a host of traffic and parking problems. The area was a mess and shopowners complained their businesses were badly affected.
“MPKj decided against issuing trading permits last year, but some stubborn traders still proceeded with the bazaar. The matter was referred to MTES and by the time a decision was made, Ramadan had come to an end,” he said, adding that there were some 60 to 70 stalls.
When MPKj opened applications for Ramadan bazaar trading sites this year, Izuddin said the Reko Sentral Ramadan bazaar organiser Taman Langat Jaya Residents’ Association submitted an application.
“Their representative submitted an application form in late April, but MPKj informed them that a bazaar could not be held at the site.
“This year, there are only two locations in Kajang where Ramadan bazaars can be held — in front of Metro Point and Plaza Metro Kajang. Only Raya-related items like clothing can be sold.
“Meanwhile, there are 28 Ramadan bazaar sites offering buka puasa fare in areas under MPKj’s administration,” said Izuddin.
Flower and decor shopowner Hasbullah Harun said his shop experienced at least a 30% drop in sales during previous years when the carnival was held in Reko Sentral.
“The situation was quite chaotic. The bazaar’s canopies blocked our shops from view.
“Garbage collection trucks and delivery vehicles also had problems accessing the commercial area,” said Hasbullah, 51, who has been trading for three years.
“A Ramadan bazaar should be located in a proper place where there is easy access, and not deprive other businesses of opportunities.”
However, restaurant operator Zura Ihah felt that the carnival should be allowed.
“MPKj can impose conditions like ensuring the stalls do not block access or visibility of the shops, or relocate the site to another corner of Reko Sentral.
“The bazaar added a festive atmosphere and drew many visitors to Reko Sentral, with some shopowners reporting that business had improved,” said the 35-year-old.
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