Lorong Petaling is now empty after the flea market traders moved out.
PASAR Karat traders in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown are pleased with their new trading location next to Lee Lam Thye Wet Market following their relocation on April 18.
The flea market traders, who previously operated in Lorong Petaling, were relocated by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) in response to safety issues raised by shop owners.
These concerns stemmed from complaints that the traders were blocking the back lane, thus preventing access by emergency vehicles.
The flea market traders had initially objected to the relocation as they had operated in Lorong Petaling for decades.
A total of 128 lots were given to traders at the new site, a vacant space next to Lee Lam Thye Wet Market on Jalan Tun HS Lee.
Malaysia Chamber of Rural Industry Entrepreneurs (DUID) traders and hawkers committee chairman Saimon Syam said the traders were getting used to the new site.
Pasar Karat traders are getting used to the new location next to the Lee Lam Thye Wet Market. — Photos: CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
“They are adjusting to the changes. The committee that manages the Pasar Karat traders is in the midst of sorting out matters at the new place,” he said.
He added that the committee also highlighted to DBKL about insufficient trading lots.
“We will carry out a census on the actual number of traders who are looking into earning a living at the new location.
“There are some who previously traded along Jalan Sultan but are not part of the Pasar Karat group.
“After we compile the names, we will submit the list to DBKL as part of our licence renewal application,” said Saimon, adding that there had been more than 200 flea market traders at the previous site.
While traders are happy with the new location, he expressed hope that DBKL could instal lights in the area as it was quite dark before sunrise.
“We operate from 3am to 9am, and it can be quite dark early in the morning.
“We also hope the authorities could create an identity for Pasar Karat, similar to the previous location where there were murals of the flea market,” he said.
StarMetro observed that the lots provided for the flea market traders at the new site were barely sufficient to accommodate the traders.
This has led to an overflow of traders occupying the sides of back lanes connecting Jalan Tun HS Lee and Jalan Sultan.
DUID committee member Mohd Ramli Mohd Sarip said all the traders had moved to the new site.
“In our discussion with DBKL, we had a consensus that there would be no traders occupying Lorong Petaling after the move.
“We are still settling down at the new place as well as informing our regular customers and the public about the new Pasar Karat,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lee Lam Thye Wet Market traders said they were slightly affected by their “new neighbours”.
“The traders occupying the side of the roads are turning away visitors, as their presence has made it difficult for cars to manoeuvre into the cramped area,” said a 28-year-old food trader who wanted to be known as Wan.“There are fewer customers patronising the food stalls in the morning.
“But once the flea market traders pack and leave at noon, everything goes back to normal,” he added.
