KUALA TERENGGANU: After several delays, the Pasar Payang 1, which brings about a fresh breath of hope to the local traders' economy, has finally commenced operations today.
State Local Government, Housing and Health Committee chairman, Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah, said however, only 15 per cent of the shops are currently in operation, basically selling souvenirs and jewellery.
"The remaining jewellery shops are still undergoing renovation by the traders themselves. God willing, with today’s opening, I am confident other traders will expedite their renovation process to start trading here.
"For other segments such as clothing vendors, we expect them to begin occupying Pasar Kedai Payang 1 by Sept 1,” he told reporters after visiting the opening of Pasar Kedai Payang 1, here Thursday (Aug 1).
He added that once the relocation of traders for jewellery, souvenirs and clothing is complete, renovation works at Pasar Kedai Payang 2, or the current temporary market, will begin to accommodate the food segment operations there.
On complaints by traders regarding the increase in rent from between 300 and 485 per cent at the new premises, he believes the issue has been resolved, adding that nearly 1,000 traders have applied to operate at Pasar Kedai Payang 1.
"Everyone is aware of the situation but the response we’ve received has been exceptional. To me, the rent issue is not significant; the rates are reasonable considering the location, the number of visitors and the increasing number of tourists in Terengganu,” he said.
Meanwhile, Shahrizal Ali, 45, a copper crafts trader who began trading at the new premises today, had started moving his stock from the old location two weeks ago.
"Thank God, today we already have visitors coming to buy... and these are among my regular customers. Traders of my type of goods are not many, so I hope customers will be aware of the shift and continue to shop with us here,” he said. - Bernama
