‘Don’t rent out licences for quick gain’

MIRI: Several traders and hawkers at Tamu Tudan and other markets here have rented out their licences for quick gain.

Chairman of Tamu Tudan Committee, Merikan Unggom, said that some did not even do any trading and left their stalls vacant although they had the licence given by Miri City Council ( MCC).

“It is wrong and against the conditions and rules stipulated in their licence or permit. I believe that this not only happen in Tamu Tudan but also other tamu and markets here,” said Merikan when met yesterday.

Thirty- eight traders yesterday received their licence from the city council to trade at Tamu Tudan.

“Many I believe apply for the licence just for the sake of applying, thinking that they can earn some quick money if they rent them out,” said Merikan, and urged the city council to monitor their activities and to withdraw the licence if they went against the rules and regulations.

Merikan said their selfish act denied the opportunity for others who were really serious to trade.

Meanwhile, Assistant Minister of Communications Datuk Lee Kim Shin, who handed over the licence said the licence were only meant for the individuals applying for it.

“Although it is just a small trading activity the licence holder will be able to improve the standard of their living if they were serious in the trading activity. They must not rent the licence to other people and deny the chances of others who are serious in the activity,” said Lee.

He said the city council had the authority to revoke their licence should they abuse it.

Lee also said they could not proceed with the building of a community market in Tudan after Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority ( Fama) found out that the proposed site was not suitable.

“Fama and the council are looking for a new site for the market,” he said, without disclosing when the project would take off.