KULAI: Johor will cap the rental fee for Ramadan bazaar lots at RM500 per lot to ease the financial burden on small traders.
State housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the new rate would initially be implemented at Ramadan bazaars under four local councils – Johor Baru City Council, Iskandar Puteri City Council, Pasir Gudang City Council and Kulai Municipal Council.
“I was informed that some Ramadan bazaar lots are being rented out for as much as RM1,500 each, per month.
“I do not want traders, many of whom come from middle- and lower-income groups, to be burdened by excessively high rental costs,” he said while attending the groundbreaking ceremony of an alternative road from Bandar Putra to Saleng here yesterday.
Mohd Jafni said discussions had been held with relevant department heads to review the current application process and fees.
Further discussions would also be conducted with bazaar operators and non-governmental organisations to explore ways to reduce rental rates, either through subsidies or other reasonable mechanisms, he added.
“In addition to the four councils, I hope the fee cap can also be implemented by the Pengerang Municipal Council and Pontian Municipal Council, which fall within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.
“There may be a second phase soon. Rental costs at the district level are usually lower as they are managed directly by their respective local councils,” he said.
Mohd Jafni said registration for Ramadan bazaars had begun, and traders can do it online or through their respective local councils.
“I want to emphasise that the balloting system must be conducted transparently and fairly through an open draw, and not determined by specific parties.
“Transparency is crucial to ensure fairness to all traders,” he said.
He also urged traders to comply with all stipulated conditions, including maintaining cleanliness, ensuring proper business setups and practising effective waste management.
