Mohd Jafni (second from left) flanked by Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad (left) and state executive councillor Mohd Hairi Mad Shah at the Bandar Baru Uda Ramadan bazaar. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
Johor government has approved 228 bazaars to operate across the state in conjunction with Ramadan and the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.
State housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said from the figure, 200 locations were for Ramadan bazaars while 28 sites were identified for Hari Raya Aidilfitri bazaar.
“This year, a total of 12,757 lots were readied for Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri bazaars in 228 locations across 16 local councils in Johor.
“This is an increase compared to 2024, which only had 12,619 lots in 222 locations,” he said.
Mohd Jafni said Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) had the most number of Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri bazaar sites, with 62 locations and 3,199 lots.
He said this was followed by Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG) with 23 locations and 1,560 lots and Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu) with 24 locations and 998 lots.
“The councils have imposed basic conditions for traders taking part in this year’s bazaar. The main point is that traders must be Malaysians.
“Foreigners are not allowed to trade at either the Ramadan or Hari Raya Aidilfitri bazaars,” he said, reminding traders to abide by the ruling.
The Bukit Permai assemblyman said strict action would be taken by the local councils, including cancelling licences for breach of the ruling.
“At the government level, the state does not issue Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri bazaar licences to foreigners.
“If the stalls are rented out to foreigners, the licence will be cancelled immediately.
“Non-governmental organisations or private bodies operating stalls, too, have to comply with the ruling,” he added.
Mohd Jafni said the period for organising the Ramadan and Aidilfitri bazaar must not exceed one month while the type of products sold included food and drinks, as well as items related to Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
He said counterfeit, pirated merchandise and goods from overseas were not allowed to be sold at the bazaars.
“Only local goods such as songkok raya, clothes and items to help with preparations for Hari Raya Aidilfitri are welcome,” he said, adding that the type of business was determined by the local councils.
Mohd Jafni said local councils in Johor would also be working closely with Health Ministry to ensure cleanliness in adherence to the Food Act 1983 and other food safety regulations.
“Local councils will also work closely with Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) to ensure traders abide by the Price Control and Anti- Profiteering Act 2011.
“Traders taking part in both bazaars must display price tags for food, drinks and goods sold.
“If consumers find that some traders are not following rules, they can contact their respective local councils for action to be taken,” he advised.
