Cheremi (fourth from left) with Ramadan bazaar traders who submitted their permit applications online through the MBSA e-Hawkers System.
SHAH Alam City Council’s (MBSA) move to embrace digitalisation has made it easier for people who live or run a business there.
Deputy mayor Cheremi Tarman said the Covid-19 crisis had accelerated the city council’s move towards digitalisation.
“Those who deal with the council have adapted to online transactions.
“For the upcoming Ramadan bazaars in 25 locations throughout Shah Alam, we processed all 1,270 applications from hawkers and petty traders online,” he said.
He added that online applications could be done more quickly and people did not need to wait in long queues.
Cheremi launched the MBSA e-Hawkers System and Face-Mask Wearing campaign in conjunction with the handing over of Ramadan bazaar 2023 permits to the 1,270 traders at MBSA Convention Centre in Section 13, Shah Alam in Selangor.
“MBSA through a collaboration with Platform Selangor (PLATS), an e-commerce platform, had registered the Ramadan bazaar traders in the PLATS digital directory.
“Customers who browse through the directory will be able to view the food and drinks that are being sold at the various bazaar sites, and order through WhatsApp then collect the items from the location,” he said.
He added that smart online platforms had helped small businesses.
MBSA has also collaborated with Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) through the Smart Raya Selangor – Bazaar Ramadan “Cashless” where the focus is on ewallet usage.
“The ewallet will function as a digital platform to spur business activities for petty traders,” said Cheremi.
“For this year, it will be encouraged at the Ramadan bazaars in Section 13 and Section 18,” he said.
On the face mask campaign, MBSA advised all food and beverage operators and their workers to wear a face mask when preparing food and dealing with customers.
“Wearing a face mask will deter food and beverage operators from coughing into food and drinks.
“Our Licensing Department included this face mask rule as part of their licensing requirements,” Cheremi added.
At the event, traders were briefed on proper food and beverage handling practices. — By EDWARD RAJENDRA
