ALOR STAR: Sekretariat Gabungan Ikhlas Malaysia (Ikhlas) is calling on the state government to review the rental fees for Ramadan and Aidilfitri bazaar sites across the state.
Ikhlas president Datuk Mohd Ridzuan Abdullah expressed concerns over the purportedly exorbitant rental rates, which have become overly burdensome for traders, prompting some to cease operations entirely.
He claimed that rental rates at bazaars around Alor Star have surged to over RM15,000 for this year's Ramadan and Aidilfitri celebrations, affecting more than 1000 traders.
"In Baling we have cases of rental rates for bazaar sites going over RM7,500, while in Alor Star, it goes over RM15,000 and up to RM20,000. These rates are synonymous with Kuala Lumpur, which is not suitable here.
"Therefore, I hope the authorities will seriously consider the plight of these small and underprivileged traders," he told reporters during a peaceful protest near Stadium Darul Aman here today.
Ridzuan alleged that the high rental rates in Alor Star were set by private agents contracted by the Alor Star City Council (MBAS) to manage the bazaar sites.
"We understand that the city council is looking to record profits as well, however, there are many ways to generate income other than oppressing poor traders," he added.
He said that due to the situation, many traders have been compelled to raise prices to cope with the high rental costs.
"Just because certain expensive brands make profits of up to RM100,000 selling at bazaars, it doesn't mean others can keep up. Many traders here sell lower-valued goods, including clothes under RM50 and street food at reasonable prices," he added.
Meanwhile, Consumers Association of Kedah (Cake) president Yusrizal Yusoff also raised concerns about the alleged decision by MBAS to contract private agents to rent out the bazaar sites.
He said that the authorities must provide guidelines on standard operating procedures to ensure that such practices are not oppressive towards traders and consumers.
"When the city council outsources to private entities, it's expected that the prices of rental rates will go up and prices of sold goods will go up as well.
"We demand that the relevant authorities review this and set proper guidelines to ensure no parties are exploited," he added.
State Housing, Local Government and Health Committee chairman Major (R) Mansor Zakaria assured that the state government has taken note of the issue and will investigate the complaints raised by affected traders.
On Tuesday, it was reported that government has acknowledged that the hike in the rental for Ramadan bazaar sites is affecting the operational costs of traders.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the hike was particularly evident if traders did not deal directly with the local authorities, but through other agents.
Anwar also said the outsourcing of agents has also led to traders paying more for the rental of bazaar sites.
