Lai (left) speaking to Nazrudin at the new complex.
A TWO-day extension is given to Bazaria Wangsa Maju traders at Taman Setapak Indah, Kuala Lumpur, which means they have until today to relocate to the new four-storey complex along Jalan Genting Klang.
The move marks the final chapter for the current site, which has served as a temporary location for traders pending completion of the new Bazaria@Wangsa Maju complex.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) initially set July 14 as the relocation deadline, but a short reprieve was granted to allow traders time to clear their belongings.
Despite the deadline, many traders were still operating at the site on July 13.
According to a DBKL officer, who was at the site, works to remove the remaining stalls will begin tomorrow (July 17).
“We expect the demolition operation to be completed in two days.
Most traders have cleared out from Bazaria Wangsa Maju. — Photos: LOW BOON TAT/The Star
“Appointed contractors will then need a few more days to clear the debris,” the officer said.
Personnel from several DBKL departments and Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) were present during the site visit to coordinate logistics.
The traders, originally part of the well-known Danau Kota Uptown night market, have a long history in the area.
They had been operating at Danau Kota Uptown since 2006 before being relocated in 2019 to Bazaria Wangsa Maju in Taman Setapak Indah.
The completed Bazaria@Wangsa Maju complex along Jalan Genting Klang is about 1km away.
The relocation was initiated by former Wangsa Maju MP Datin Paduka Tan Yee Kew, following complaints that traders were monopolising council parking spaces in the commercial area.
At its peak, around 800 traders operated at Danau Kota Uptown, some without valid licences.
Following a one-year census, 500 traders were selected for relocation to the Taman Setapak Indah site.
When StarMetro visited the site, several traders were seen dismantling awnings, removing shelves and salvaging reusable materials.
Meanwhile, some have already moved into their lots at the new complex.
The upgraded facility presents a more organised and conducive business environment for both vendors and shoppers, offering food stalls, a surau, a management office, a futsal court and ample parking.
Denim clothing trader Nazrudin Jadi, 44, who was setting up his stall at the new complex, said he looked forward to operating in a cleaner and more comfortable space.
“The complex is clean and tidy, and there are ample parking bays for customers.
“I hope more people will come visit the new place,” he said.
However, Nazrudin noted one drawback – the lower ceiling height at his new lot.
“The ceiling is about 2.43m high and I have quite a number of goods to display,” he said, adding that his old stall’s ceiling was at 3.04m high.
Bazaria Wangsa Maju Traders Association advisor Andre Lai, a former aide to Tan, said the relocation had involved significant groundwork.
“Now, the traders have a proper trading spot to earn a living instead of doing so by the roadside.
“The relocation was necessary as it had affected traffic and parking spaces in the area.”
Lai added that the Taman Setapak Indah site would be handed back to the Federal Territories Department of the Director General of Lands and Mines.
The site has been earmarked for a sewerage infrastructure project.
