SHOPOWNERS in Little India, Brickfields, can now trade outside their premises during the Deepavali bazaar.
The decision followed a meeting between business operators and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, after complaints that lots in front of shopowners’ premises had been allocated to outsiders.
“Premises owners along Jalan Tun Sambanthan will be issued promotional licences in line with existing procedures.
“The 44 traders who secured lots through the balloting exercise will also be placed along the same stretch, with one lane of the road closed throughout the duration of the bazaar,” she said when contacted by StarMetro.
Dr Zaliha said DBKL would also add 37 tents at Lorong Chan Ah Tong to give traders more space and comfort.
“This restructuring of the bazaar is a win-win solution for all parties,” she said.
She stressed that the arrangement was only for this year.
She had instructed DBKL to improve the process in future and engage stakeholders before any decision was made.
Brickfields Business Community Society secretary Datuk Alagarsamy Kumar said they were grateful to the minister.
“At least now everyone will be able to trade without worrying about losing out during the festive season,” he said.
StarMetro had earlier reported shopowners’ frustration with the balloting exercise on Sept 12, where only five of 44 lots along the Little India walkway went to them and none directly in front of their premises.
They said allowing outsiders to trade in front of their stores created unfair competition, especially when many were already struggling with rising costs and dwindling sales.
Last year, DBKL was directed to take over the management and allocation of all festive bazaars after repeated disputes over lot distribution.
This year’s Deepavali bazaar will feature 140 stalls at Jalan Bunus, Masjid India, Jalan Tun Sambanthan and Jalan Rakyat.
The bazaar runs from today until Oct 19.
