Negri govt out to stop traders from turning PD into 'seaside pasar tani'

SEREMBAN: The state government has vowed to rid the popular beaches in Port Dickson of their "pasar tani" (farmers' market) image by ensuring that traders do not set up their tents indiscriminately along its famous coastline.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said although the traders were urged not to "monopolise" the beach, the appeal had fallen on deaf ears.

"This issue was discussed previously and the traders promised to limit the number of tents along the beach.

"However, when they saw huge crowds turning up during the Chinese New Year and school holidays, they broke their promise and put up tents everywhere," he told reporters on Thursday (Feb 3).

Aminuddin said he was also aware that many visitors were upset by this, with some describing the beaches as seaside pasar tani.

Previously, it had been agreed that the traders would only be allowed to put up tents upon request by picnickers.

Beachgoers had also complained on social media that Port Dickson was losing its lustre because of this practice.

Some picnickers also complained that they were asked to move from a particular spot along the beach to make way for the traders' tents.

Others said they could hardly see the beach and sea as their view was blocked by tents.

Aminuddin said the crowd that turned up at the resort town from last Friday (Jan 28) was the biggest since interstate travel was allowed again during the National Recovery Plan.

Hotels and homestays were also heavily booked, he added.

"The traders probably saw this as an opportunity to make more money as they had been badly affected by Covid-19 restrictions previously.

"But we cannot allow our beachfront to be lined with tents," he said.

He added that the Port Dickson Municipal Council was probably unable to act on the public complaints owing to a lack of manpower during the holiday period, as well as traffic congestion.

"There could have been more problems if the council had taken action on the day," he said without elaborating.

Aminuddin said the council would be asked to meet the traders again and those who were registered with it would be allowed to put up a limited number of tents.