Muhammad Salam says many young mechanics are talented but don’t have the chance to run a proper business.
UNLICENSED traders at PPR Lembah Subang 1 in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, are calling for a dedicated hub to house food stalls, sundry shops, barbers and mechanics as a long-term solution to relocation issues.
During an Aug 6 engagement with Seri Setia assemblyman Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah, nine traders mooted the plan which they say would serve more than 100 traders at the flats.
Lembah Subang 1 Hawker Action Committee chairman Maharudin Yusof said the community spirit among traders should be preserved.
“This community has always stepped in for one another when things fall short.
“That spirit must be preserved,” he said.
He recalled how a mechanic in the area once replaced parts for his car for only RM50, a job that would normally cost RM200 to RM500 elsewhere.
He also pointed to long-time mechanic and scrap collector Muhammad Salam Lai, 63, who restored electricity to a block by fixing a fuse box free of charge.
Muhammad Salam said most of the mechanics there were talented youths who lacked the opportunity to run a proper business.
“We need a traders’ hub – one that brings together dry and wet markets, barbers, sundry shops and mechanics. That will really help us,” he said.
Chicken rice seller Mohd Shukri Zahir said traders had forwarded the suggestion to Mohammad Fahmi.
“He described it as a good idea, but had said the final decision rests with the government,” Mohd Shukri said.
“Separating the wet and dry markets from the food traders, and placing mechanics, sundry shops and barbers on the corners will make the business ecosystem here stronger.”
He said such a plan would also help traders like mechanic Mohd Noor Asnee, 42, and sundry shop owner Nor Shahrizal Ghazali, 43, who lived at the PPR and depended on their shops for their livelihood.
Nor Shahrizal said proper facilities were crucial for businesses like his.
“A sundry shop needs space for containers, freezers and chillers, and a solid structure to keep them safe,” he said.
He added that he had also been working with non-governmental organisations to supply chicken, fish and vegetables to zakat recipients and the elderly.
“For almost five years, we’ve been distributing these goods twice a month.
“If our shop is demolished, it would be a huge loss for those in need,” Nor Shahrizal said.
Preparations must first be made to relocate traders before demolition works, he said.
“Only then will the demolition be acceptable.”
