Dr Ting: MCC must be strict in implementing its regulations
MIRI: Miri City Council (MCC) must be strict in implementing its regulations and not be manipulated by outsiders or groups in its decision-making.
The call was made by Pujut assemblyman Dr Ting Tiong Choon during a press conference at DAP headquarters here yesterday.
He was commenting on a news report that a group of Saberkas traders objected to the normal procedure by MCC of drawing or casting lots in order to determine the location of their trading space.
Ting said he visited Saberkas night market not long after the renovation work on it was completed in June and during the visit, he found out that there were some disputes among the hawkers.
“Some hawkers occupied two spaces (trading lots), and when I brought it up with them, a small group of them became very aggressive towards me and there were also some physical contacts between the hawkers.
“I thought that was a very important issue, as I have visited all the tamu in Miri, and all the hawkers are harmoniously working together, taking turns to be rotated within different locations (lots) in the tamu, and they are all very happy. Sometimes they are allocated to a ‘bad’ location, but they will get better location the following month,” he said.
Dr Ting, who is also DAP Pujut chairman, said the situation was different in Saberkas as there was a group of people arranging the lot locations for themselves and occupying them permanently.
“If they (hawkers) are located at a good location, right in the front area, they will be there forever. That’s why there are a few hawkers who are not happy with that arrangement,” he pointed out.
Dr Ting added that he brought up the matter during the State Legislative Assembly sitting, and was told by the Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian that the authority for all markets is the city council, and allocation of all hawkers are determined through drawing of lots. Dr Ting disclosed that Miri City Council actually followed procedures and called on the hawkers to come and draw their lot, however only about 60 to 70 hawkers came, while others boycotted, leading to the procedure being unsuccessful.
“To me, this is holding MCC in ransom. If the council lets this sort of things happen, saying that 80 per cent (of the hawkers) want this, it would say a lot about the council.
“For example, if Miri people decide to vote whether we want to pay for car parking fees, I am sure 80 per cent (Mirians) will say no. Is the council going to agree with this too?” he said, adding that this is not right thing to do.
Dr Ting pointed out that the purpose of having such markets is to help those from the lower strata of society to earn a living.
“I hope the council will make their stand firm and authoritative, saying that this is the council’s authority, and not let a small group of people decide this by themselves,” he said, adding that the whole society can be out of order if such a thing is allowed to happen.
Dr Ting further said if the council did not do it according to law, the minister in charge should make it happen.
Also present at the press conference was DAP Miri youth chief, Peter Hee.