SIBU, Aug 24: Since its opening on Aug 1, Pasar Tamu Taman Indah has received strong support from the public but there is fierce competition between licensed hawkers and those without permits.
Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting said he was made aware of the presence of unlicensed hawkers at the Sunday Market in Taman Indah since the market opened.
“The presence of hawkers without a valid permit has caused many licensed hawkers to feel that their business is somewhat affected due to the fierce competition,” he said after personally visiting the market during the weekend.
The council estimates that there are more than 20 traders operating without permits.
Ting noted that licensed traders have complained that their business was declining due to increasing competition.
However, he believed that it was not so much about the presence of illegal traders but rather there are too many traders who start trading around 3am and many shoppers arriving before registration starts at 6am.
“This is also because many buyers prefer to visit the market this week before registration starts at 6am,” he explained. He disclosed he had surveyed the situation personally around the Taman Indah market and found the business there quite ‘bearable’.
“The Deputy Chairman and some counselors who visited the Taman Indah week market as early as 6.20am found the business there very encouraging. However, he also stressed that awareness on cleanliness should be a priority at the Sunday Market.
“I have reminded the SMC staff to always ensure cleanliness in the environment at Pasar Tamu Taman Indah.
“I am happy to find that the hawkers there also cooperate with the council by sweeping their own area,” he added.
Meanwhile plans are afoot by the council to accommodate more traders by next month by opening up more spaces.
SMC Market and Petty Traders Standing Committee chairman Albert Tiang said they were planning to add in spaces for 20 more traders to the current 180. — DayakDaily
