PASIR Gudang City Council (MBPG) is trying to provide better amenities for the traders and public, Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim says.
“This is the role of the government, especially the local council, to provide services for the people, and the public should understand this.
“However, I would also like to remind the city council to be a bit more understanding as all of these traders are from the B40 group and are still rebuilding after the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It can increase the maintenance fees, but not suddenly. It must be done in phases so that it does not hurt these small traders,” he said.
Hassan says the council should be more understanding of traders’ financial situations after the pandemic.
Hassan also said that the traders themselves must also improve their services and their use of the rented lots.
“If we look at MBPG’s report, there have been cleanliness issues and illegal extensions of some of these premises,” he added.
Meanwhile, Tiram assemblyman Azizul Bachok said MBPG’s move to lower the maintenance fee for all Kebayan and Semai Niaga lots from RM2.60 per sq ft to RM1.80 was to be lauded.
“There had been a lot of negativity before the city council held its town hall session on March 29.
“But after the mayor’s explanation on the new fee, everyone has been able to get a clearer picture of what is going on, and this should be made a common approach when the people are facing uncertainty because of changes introduced by MBPG.
Azizul says MBPG’s move to lower the maintenance fee should be lauded.
“I don’t think the city council has the intention to burden the traders but issues that are affecting them will indirectly affect the people as well,” he said.
Permas assemblyman Baharudin Mohamed Taib said the city council should prioritise the welfare of people instead of introducing high maintenance fees.
“MBPG is not a corporate company that runs on profit. As a local government, it is supposed to provide good quality services.
“Yes, it can introduce new fees, but this should be limited to a 5% increase, and it should continue to cover the rest of the costs as part of its duties.”
Baharudin, who is also the former MBPG chief whip, added that the city council had always earned the bulk of its revenue from industries in Pasir Gudang, thus that should be used for the benefit of the people.
