By GEETHA KRISHNAN
Monday September 29, 2008
THE organiser system where a third party stands between the local authorities and hawkers or traders over the distribution of lots for morning and night markets is still under heavy criticism.
It has proved to be the bane of many local authorities to the extent that a few like the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ), the Klang Municipal Council (MPK), the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) and the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) have abolished the arrangement.
However, for reasons unknown, many Ramadan bazaars and markets are still utilising the system.
Canopy jungle: The Pasar Ramadan in Putrajaya was organised directly by the local authority.
The organiser system, or sistem penganjur as it is popularly known, draws the most flak during Ramadan when thousands of ringgit change hands between organisers and traders.
This lopsided arrangement solely benefits the organisers, who include residents’ and hawkers’ associations. Some parties have also alleged links to councillors and political parties.
Organisers argue that the hefty fees are to ensure the area where business is carried out is clean and garbage collection is up to par.
However, annual licences issued by the councils rarely cost more than RM30 and rental rates are low.Without a doubt, the organiser system keeps local authorities under the illusion that their coffers are enriched through licensing fees. Ironically, some organisers end up owing the councils.
Slow business: The Ramadan Bazaar in Kajang is based on the organiser system with little to offer traders except a canopy equipped with fans.
Take the case of the Ramadan Bazaar at Jalan Kajang-Semenyih. Traders reportedly paid up to RM3,000 for each 3m by 3m lot to an organiser, a whopping 100% increase from last year’s rental fees.
A trader who only identified himself as Zahari said he had forked out RM6,000 for two lots but had yet to recoup his investment although Ramadan was nearing its end.
“I only paid RM1,500 for two lots when the bazaar was held near Plaza Metro last year. I have been participating in such bazaars for nine years and the first few were organised by the MPKj.
“I was only charged RM120 to RM150 for rental and licence fees then. No reasons were given for the drastic increase but I have yet to receive my licence. Ironically, the council has already issued a warning to all the traders here for not having their licences,” he said.
Another trader who wished to remain anonymous said calls and SMSes to the organiser on complaints about the set-up went unanswered.
“The RM3,000 rental is steep but the organiser promised us side activities like nasyid performances and other stage activities and the distribution of bubur lambuk to lure the crowd. The bazaar is still dull and business has yet to pick up although we are in the third week of Ramadan,” he said.
When asked for proof of payment from the organiser, he produced a general receipt.
At a recent press conference, the MPKj president Datuk Hasan Nawawi Abd Rahman was asked about the system.
He said the organiser system was necessary for the council because it helped the local authority cope with the lack of manpower and other resources.
Sadly, it has also led to abuse as is the situation at the night market in Taman Segar Perdana. Checks revealed that the council only approved 113 lots but there are 270 traders presently operating at the site.
When questioned, a majority of the traders said they paid between RM600 and RM1,500 for lots to the organiser. But receipts were not issued.
Hawker S.M. Lam said the organiser told her to buy a lot if she wanted a guaranteed location for her business and used bullying tactics.
A similar scenario is said to be occurring in Bandar Sungai Long.
MPKj councillor Tan Han Kuo, a member of the licensing sub-committee, does not share Hasan Nawawi’s views and called for a thorough review of the organiser policy, be it for markets or Ramadan bazaars.
“Even political parties are shamelesly clamouring for personal gain through the organiser system. We should be helping the people not burdening them further,” he said.
Direct dealings between hawkers or traders with local authorities should be the way instead of involving third parties, pointed out Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) councillor Ang Leng Kiat when contacted.
“At the most, charges for Ramadan bazaars should not be more than RM250 inclusive of rental and licence fees. There are clear guidelines when the local authorities are directly involved,” he said.
The Pasar Ramadan at Precinct 2, Putrajaya, was organised with the full involvement of Putrajaya Corpo-ration. The lots are clearly marked and hawkers don aprons. Strict rules and regulations also apply.
When asked about the organiser system in Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique said there were no reports of abuse so far.
“The Ramadan markets and bazaars are organised with the cooperation of hawkers’ associations and residents’ associations. Abuse of the present system, if any, should be reported to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall,” he said.
In Selangor, state local government, research and studies committee chairman Ronnie Liu said the state had left the organiser system to the discretion of the local authorities.
