Cheremi (second from left) and MBI chief executive officer Saipolyazan Mat Yusop (second from right) signing the MoU in the presence of Najwan (centre).
A SPECIAL squad will carry out regular checks at Ramadan bazaars in Shah Alam to ensure traders with permits traded from their given lots.
Selangor youth, sports and entrepreneur committee chairman Najwan Halimi said this was a proactive measure.
“In past years, we have not received any reports of Ali Baba practices at Ramadan bazaars in Shah Alam.
“If there is a report, Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) will investigate,” he said, adding that other local authorities were expected to step up enforcement too.
Najwan was met at MBSA Convention Centre after presenting permits to Ramadan bazaar traders in Shah Alam.
It was reported that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) had been instructed to act against those found abusing their permits.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s aide, Datuk Azman Abidin said this followed allegations that irresponsible parties had taken advantage by renting out the lots at higher rates to other traders.
“We have informed DBKL enforcers that we need to be stricter this year.
“If we find any traders who obtain lots and rent them out to others, we will immediately revoke their licence and they will not be allowed to trade anymore by DBKL,” said Azman as reported by Bernama.
He said it was difficult to identify those who rent out lots and sell licences because when caught, the tenants would claim they were working for the licence holder.
Shah Alam mayor Cheremi Tarman said 39 bazaars would be operating during the fasting month involving more than 2,000 trading lots.
Of the number, 27 bazaars comprising 1,134 lots were under MBSA’s management while 12 bazaars with 936 lots were under private management.
Cheremi reminded traders that permits were non-transferable and hiring of foreigners was prohibited.
“Traders are also not allowed to place tables and chairs, and must pack all their wares after operating hours,” he said.
He added that the MySaveFood@BazarRamadhan initiative would be continued this year.
It would take place at three locations, namely bazaars in sections 13, 17 and U5.
“Under this initiative, participating traders can donate excess food at a designated tent at the bazaar after finishing for the day.
“The food will then be collected by volunteers to be distributed to low-cost homes and mosques,” he said.
The event also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between MBSA and Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI) to develop an ecosystem for small and medium entrepreneurs in Shah Alam.
Cheremi signed on behalf of MBSA while MBI was represented by its chief executive officer Saipolyazan Mat Yusop.