Tanjung Aru Beach 1 Hawkers Association chairman Dahlan Jahsiri.
KOTA KINABALU: Hawkers at the Tanjung Aru First Beach are worried that may not be able to continue operating at the popular beachfront here when their contracts end on Aug 31.
Tanjung Aru Beach 1 Hawkers Association chairman Dahlan Jahsiri said there has been no word from the state-owned Tanjung Aru Eco Development (TAED) Sdn Bhd, the custodian of the beach side property, if their stay will be extended.
"We are appealing to the government or TAED to extend our contracts for at least another year," he said on Thursday (July 6).
Dahlan said hawkers have been operating at First Beach, which is known for its stunning sunsets, since September last year.
TAED has taken over management of the site from Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK).
Dahlan also said the hawkers were concerned that the beach could be leased to a third party, leading to an increase in rental fees.
"We request that the rental rate be maintained at the present RM510 for one lot of 10ft x 20ft. We also agree to pay the rent straight to the government or local authority," he added.
He also said the hawkers also agreed to refurbish and beautify their stalls.
"The hawkers will improve the quality of service and sales besides taking care of cleanliness at the area," he added
Dahlan said the hawkers are also seeking the assistance of Deputy Chief Minister, Putatan MP Datuk Shahelmey Yahya and Tanjung Aru assemblyman Datuk Junz Wong to help resolve their issues.
TAED, a proposed multibillion-ringgit tourism development plan, was launched in 2016 by the previous Barisan Nasional-led state government.
But the project was seen as controversial and locals have been urging the state government to abandon it and give the public free access to the beach.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has since pledged to downsize the initial TAED plans.
