Move to shed PD of its ‘pasar tani’ image

Obstructing the view: The tents put up indiscriminately along a popular beach stretch in Port Dickson.

SEREMBAN: The state government has vowed to rid the beaches in Port Dickson of its “pasar tani” image by ensuring traders do not put up tents indiscriminately along the popular coastline.

These traders had been told not to “monopolise” stretches of the beach by putting up tents usually used by pasar tani farmers but the advice has fallen on deaf ears, said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.

“This matter was discussed previously and the traders had 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 the tents everywhere,” he told reporters.

Aminuddin said he was well aware that many people were upset over this, with some critics describing the beaches as “pasar tani” sites.

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

Traders who put up these tents would then rent them to picnickers for a fee as a way to supplement their income from other businesses.

The more tents they put up, the higher their income.

However, some picnickers claimed that they had been asked by the traders to step away from their spot so that these sellers could pitch their tents.

Netizens have also lamented that this has led to Port Dickson losing its lustre.

Other critics complained that their view of the beach had been obstructed by the tents.

Aminuddin said the crowd which turned up at the resort town beginning Friday was the biggest since interstate travel was allowed.

Hotels and homestays, he said, were heavily booked.

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

“But we cannot allow our beachfront to be turned into an area lined with tents,” he added.

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

“Also, there could have been more problems if the municipal council had taken action on the said day,” he said without elaborating.

Aminuddin said the municipal council would be told to meet the traders again.

Traders who are registered with the council may be allowed to put up only a few tents each, he added.