Kamarulzaman says three years ago, MBSA did a census for a traders’ hub but until now, there has been no development. — Photos: RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
Roadside traders along Jalan Pelapik U8/46 in Section U8, Bukit Jelutong want Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) to build a hub for them to operate in a more conducive environment.
Currently, there are about 50 traders operating at different times at an open-air carpark between Jalan Pelapik U8/46 and Jalan Pelapik C U8/C while another nine have set up business on a grass verge along the main road of Jalan Pelapik U8/46.
The traders have been conducting business at the carpark for about three years.
Trader Kamarulzaman Mansor, 54, said most of them had been operating from a simple makeshift tent while a few had modified vans, but it would be better to have a trading hub.
“Traders have been using this spot to earn a living since the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
“We are of one voice about not moving from this area, as we have established customers here,” he said.
Kamarulzaman, a former government hospital employee, said MBSA had conducted a survey two years ago with the intention of building a traders’ hub but nothing had materialised.
“Our traders prefer to remain in the current location,” he said.
Retiree Ibrahim Ramli, 67, suggested building an elevated hub so that the carpark would still be available.
“This way, customers would have a place to park while getting their food or beverages,” he said.
He pointed out that with an proper trading hub, there would be piped water, electricity and a designated area for rubbish disposal.
“Presently we have to bring water in containers, use a portable electricity generator and cart home our rubbish. It is difficult,” said Ibrahim.
Unlike Kamarulzaman and Ibrahim who trade at the carpark, Muhamad Ery Irawan Asturinal, 38, trades along the main road.
He also supports MBSA’s initiative to build a traders’ hub within the area.
“It would be good to have such a facility as it will have all the basic amenities.
“But I hope the fee that MBSA charges will be reasonable and the city council ensures regular maintenance,” said the fruit trader.
Another trader, Bibah Syahri, 32, who sells jackfruit, said those who trade by the roadside were issued a monthly compound of RM300.
“It would be good if all traders along the main road are housed in the traders’ hub,” she said.
Abdul Razak (right) talking to Muhamad Ery on the need to have a more conducive trading area.
Social activist Abdul Razak Ismail, 62, who met with the traders, said he was concerned for the well-being of those operating along a busy road.
“It is only fair that traders who are paying a licence fee to MBSA be provided with a lot at the traders’ hub that has access to basic amenities, to ensure proper hygiene,” he said.
“Majority of the traders have complied with MBSA’s regulations, so it is reasonable to have a traders’ hub built within the Section U8, Bukit Jelutong area.
“We cannot allow traders to operate along a busy road as it may cause accidents when customers stop to buy food items,” Abdul Razak added.
MBSA Corporate Communications director Mohd Azhar Mohd Sharif said according to its data, there were 22 traders at the carpark in the morning, 27 in the evening and three at night.
“All traders at the carpark have MBSA approval to do business and are licensed,” he said.
He added that those along the roadside were unlicensed.
Mohd Azhar said that from January to December last year, 222 compounds were issued while goods were confiscated from nine traders.
“From January to June this year, 137 compounds were issued to roadside traders, with nine having their goods confiscated,” he said.
He added that a new traders’ hub would soon be built on the carpark off Jalan Pelapik U8/46.
