Metro

Monday November 9, 2009

73 Medan Pelancong traders get payment to relocate

By SIMON KHOO


KUANTAN: All the 73 traders in Medan Pelancong near here received a windfall in the form of a “gratuity payment” to shift their business to other sites.

Teruntum assemblyman Chang Hong Seong said the amount received ranged from RM3,527 to as much as RM18,000.

Chang said the traders had earlier refused to accept the payment and were hoping for a higher “compensation” to move out.

“I believe some of them decided to take up the offer by Pasdec Corporations Sdn Bhd, which triggered others to follow suit.

“I am glad that the issue is now amicably resolved.

Pasdec allocated a sum of RM624,000 for the payment.

”This is a win-win situation and I hope the traders will be able to find a new location to continue their business,” he said when met here recently.

The traders were operating in shop units within the Medan Pelancong commercial square.

Chang said the majority were involved in the food business while the rest sold accessories, clothes, shoes, cosmetics, curtains and other services.

He said the land was jointly owned by Kuantan Municipal Council and Pasdec.

“Plans are in the pipeline to build a waterfront complex including a hotel and other recreational facilities.

“Both parties are still finalising the project plan,” he said.

On the payment, Chang said Pasdec emphasised that it was not compensation but a form of one-off gratuity payment.

He said the calculation was based on the individual trader’s rental payment, years and type of business.

“It was a good deal as the traders were not required to pay rent since January,” he added.

He also offered assistance to traders who needed help finding an alternative business site. Medan Pelancong has been in existence the last 36 years and will be officially closed down by the end of this year.

  • E-mail this story
  • Print this story
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter Star Metro on Facebook Star Metro on Twitter