Symbolic move: Dr Zaliha (right) signing on the digital screen of the opening of the Sports Carnival in conjunction with the Federal Territories’ Day 2025 celebration at the Mokhtar Dahari Sports Complex, Precinct 18. — Bernama
PUTRAJAYA: Licences for lots in Ramadan bazaars in Kuala Lumpur, among the most lucrative in the country, will be given out transparently, said Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) said the drawing of lots will be managed transparently by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
DBKL is in the final phase of finalising the list of traders, said Dr Zaliha, adding that between 20% and 30% of the lots have yet to be filled.
More than 3,000 lots to sell food for Ramadan and goods and clothes for Hari Raya Aidilfitri have been allocated across Kuala Lumpur, including along the popular Jalan Masjid India and in Taman Tun Dr Ismail.
“We are giving opportunities for those who are genuinely keen to trade and increase their income during Ramadan and in preparation for Aidilfitri,” she told Bernama.
Lots for Ramadan and Aidilfitri goods will be managed by DBKL.
Dr Zaliha said the direct licensing method used in Putrajaya and Labuan last year has ensured traders receive reasonable rental rates and improved management.
She also urged individuals or trader associations dissatisfied with the process to submit complaints to DBKL.
This follows recent claims by the Federation of Hawkers and Small Traders Associations that such lots were being sold to traders for up to RM15,000.
StarMetro reported that middlemen were reselling lots at the Jalan Masjid India bazaar for between RM12,000 and RM15,000, while in TTDI, the asking price was between RM3,500 and RM5,000 per lot.
In response, Dr Zaliha stressed that firm action will be taken against those involved in reselling their bazaar Ramadan licences as instructed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
On a separate development, Dr Zaliha said an internal investigation into the alleged misconduct of a DBKL advisory board member linked to a RM4mil project is in its final stage.
She added that a briefing will soon be held with Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif to review the investigation findings.
Regarding the sports carnival yesterday, Dr Zaliha said the programme serves a dual purpose of promoting a healthy lifestyle and identifying new talents to represent the Federal Territories contingent at the Malaysia Games (Sukma).
Meanwhile, four Ramadan bazaars will be opened in Putrajaya throughout the fasting month this year for the convenience of local residents, said Putrajaya Corporation president Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud.
In addition to the usual Ramadan bazaars at Precincts 3, 11, and 14, a smaller-scale bazaar will be opened at the Agricultural Heritage Park in Precinct 16.
“Almost 800 lots are being made available for traders at the bazaars this year,” he told reporters after the launch of a sports carnival in conjunction with the Federal Territories’ Day 2025 celebration.
Fadlun said strict food quality monitoring would be carried out at all four bazaars and that traders were constantly reminded to practise good hygiene and not raise prices at their whim and fancy.
This year, Ramadan is expected to start on March 2.
