Bazaria Wangsa Maju traders have been operating at a temporary site at Jalan 1/23E in Taman Setapak Indah since 2019. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
Many Bazaria Wangsa Maju stallholders still waiting for business licences before moving into new complex at Jalan Genting Klang
TRADERS at Bazaria Wangsa Maju in Taman Setapak Indah are urging Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to extend the deadline to relocate to a newly built complex, saying the two-week notice given is too short.
According to a notice issued on July 1, the 500-odd traders must cease operations at the current site at Jalan 1/23E by July 14 and relocate to a four-storey facility along Jalan Genting Klang.
But traders said the short timeline left many scrambling to sort out their paperwork, pack up their stalls and prepare for the move.
Trader Roslin Baser said he was hoping that DBKL would give at least another two weeks’ grace, until the end of this month.
“During a briefing at the end of June with DBKL, they informed us that we could start operations on Aug 1.
“This would give us more time to prepare.”
Roslin said he hoped that DBKL would also consider allowing some bazaar traders to start operations earlier.
Saari says traders have been struggling with lower foot traffic in recent years.
“Some of us do not need too long to set up, so we should be allowed to start business instead of having to wait until Aug 1,” the food and beverage operator said.
Bazaria Wangsa Maju organising chairman Mohd Ramdzan Mohd Ziman said many traders were still waiting for their new business licences, a prerequisite for moving into the complex.
“DBKL said traders must have their licences before relocating, but as of now, a large number are still awaiting approval.
“This makes the rushed relocation even more difficult,” he said, adding that some traders also needed to settle rental arrears before they could qualify for the move.
While acknowledging the new building’s better amenities, Mohd Ramdzan said much more needed to be done to draw customers.
“It will take time for people to start coming to the new location.
“We need proper publicity and promotional efforts to ensure there is enough foot traffic to support the traders’ livelihoods,” he said, adding that an average of 1,000 people visit their current location daily.
Trader Saari Yusof said he hoped that the new location would boost sales.
Mohd Ramdzan says publicity and promotional efforts are needed to attract shoppers to the new location.
“Fortunately, DBKL is offering free rental for the first three months, which will help ease our finances during the transition period.
“Many of us have been struggling with lower foot traffic in recent years, so we are hoping that the new complex, with better facilities and a cleaner environment, will attract more customers and revive business,” he said, adding that he had seen more than 50% drop in business over several years.
DBKL said the new complex includes various facilities such as food stalls, management office, surau, parking spaces and futsal court.
The four-storey complex aims to provide a more organised and conducive business hub.
“With more systematic security control and efficient building management, the complex will facilitate economic growth and contribute to the well-being of residents,” DBKL said in a statement on its social media.
One of the main attractions for late-night shoppers, Bazaria Wangsa Maju has been operating since 2006.
Traders were relocated in 2019 to the current site, pending the completion of the new building.
