RENTAL ILL-DOINGS AT WET MARKET
TRADERS at the Selayang wet market in Batu Caves, Gombak, in Kuala Lumpur want the authorities to take action against those who illegally rent out their stalls to immigrants for allegedly higher profits.
The traders claimed that nearly half the stalls at the daily wet market were rented out to immigrants who were willing to pay between RM1,000 and RM1,500 per month.
This is much higher than the RM30 monthly rental imposed by Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
Arbaain Rawi, 55, who has been running a poultry and meat stall at the wet market for over 30 years, said the number of immigrants who illegally run stalls there had increased over the years, particularly those from Myanmar and Bangladesh.
“It does not make sense for us to compete with immigrants who openly operate stalls without valid docu- ments or permits.
“They also have a poor command of Bahasa Malaysia?
“We need the authorities to conduct frequent checks at the market. We are willing to share any information, as long as action is taken against the errant stallowners as well as the immigrants,” he said.
Shahrul Ahamad, 46, claimed the large number of immigrants at the wet market had also contributed to the poor hygiene and cleanliness at the market, which was currently in a temporary building.
Shahrul said rubbish which included unwanted fish or chicken parts and feathers, were scattered on the floor inside as well as outside the premises.
“I believe the immigrants are slacking in hygiene and cleanliness standards.
“They flee at the sight of authorities doing inspection rounds.
“After all, the licence hanging at the stall they are renting does not bear their name.” Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) said traders found renting out their stalls to a third party, including immigrants, risk having their licence revoked and name blacklisted.
Its spokesman said the local council’s enforcement department conducted checks at the Selayang wet market periodically, and also acted on tipoffs from the public.
He also said that if any of the stalls were left unattended during checks, the enforcement officers had the right to confiscate all items belonging to the trader.
“DBKL will first issue a showcause letter to the trader suspected of rental impropriety.
“If they fail to provide reasonable explanation for their action, the local council can revoke their licence immediately. Their name will also be blacklisted from renting stalls at all wet markets managed by DBKL,” he said.