WITH the fasting month just weeks away, Ramadan bazaar organisers have been overwhelmed by applications from traders.
Apart from applying for a permit from local councils for the bazaars and vetting trader applications, organisers said they have to appoint a contractor to provide cleaning services.
They said there has been an overwhelming response from traders, with many submitting early applications to secure their spots.
Belatuk Petty Traders Association chairman Md Izam Ibrahim, 43, said he had received over 100 applications by the middle of this month.
Md Izam says his committee will vote a few weeks before Ramadan to select successful applicants.
“The demand for a spot at the Ramadan bazaar is high this year compared to previous years.
“The Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG) has approved our application to organise Ramadan bazaars at two locations, namely Cahaya Masai and Kampung Pasir Putih.
“We have 80 lots at Cahaya Masai and another 30 at Kampung Pasir Putih.
“However, the number of traders applying for spots at the two bazaars is higher than the number of lots we have available.
“For the Cahaya Masai bazaar, we have received about 120 applications,” he said.
Md Izam said the association would carry out a voting process a few weeks before Ramadan to ensure that all applicants were given an equal opportunity.
“Traders who fulfil conditions set by the local council have been shortlisted and will go through a voting process,” he said.
Johor Baru Trade Revolution Association vice-chairman Syed Mohd Ghazafi Abu Bakar said the association had opted to choose applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.
Syed Mohd Ghazafi: The association will choose applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.
“The traders’ menu will also play a deciding role.
“We don’t want too many people selling the same thing,” he said.
“We started accepting applications in the middle of this month and are still receiving new ones.”
He said the association has received approval from the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) to organise four Ramadan bazaars in Johor Baru and one from the Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu).
“The ones in Johor Baru are located at Jalan Layang 16, Taman Setia Tropika, Permas Jaya 10/10 and Adda Heights.
“The bazaar in Kulai is in Jalan Enggang 19.
“We have between 45 and 100 lots at each bazaar,” he said.
