KULAI: Rental rates for Ramadan bazaar lots across Johor will be standardised to a maximum of RM500 to ease the burden on small traders, says state executive councillor Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor.
The housing and local government committee chairman said discussions would be held with relevant department heads to review the process and fees currently imposed on such traders.
"I was informed of Ramadan bazaar lots being rented out for up to RM1,500 per month for a single space.
"This matter requires serious attention, as I do not want traders to be burdened with excessively high rental costs. They are from the middle- and lower-income groups.
"Discussions with bazaar operators and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will also be held so that rental rates can be reduced either through subsidies or other reasonable mechanisms," he said after the groundbreaking ceremony for an alternative road from Bandar Putra to Saleng at Jalan Pintas Saleng on Monday (Jan 19).
He noted that several local councils have agreed to the proposal, and the working paper has been presented to their respective committees.
He said four local councils, namely the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB), Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG) and Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu), are aiming to implement the rental standardisation in the first phase.
"I hope (the standardisation) can also include the Pengerang and Pontian Municipal Councils, which fall within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) area.
"There may be a second phase involving urban and suburban areas, while rental costs at the district level are usually lower as they are managed directly by their respective local councils," he added.
Asked about Ramadan bazaar registration, Jafni said the process has begun, with traders being called to register either online or through their respective local councils.
"I wish to emphasise that the balloting system must be conducted transparently and fairly through an open draw, not determined by specific parties.
"A transparent balloting system is crucial to ensuring fairness for all traders," he said, urging all traders to comply with the conditions set, including cleanliness, proper business setup and effective waste management.
On a separate issue, Jafni said smart parking standardisation would be implemented at four local councils within Greater Johor Baru in the third quarter of this year.
"It is being carried out for outdoor parking areas that have not been aligned for more than 10 years across MBJB, MBIP, MBPG and MPKu," he added.
