Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin has ticked off the manner in which Seputeh MP Teresa Kok conveyed her opposition to make Kuala Lumpur a free zone for small traders to do business, describing it as "insensitive" and "insulting".
Zuraida said the move is intended to help small traders to carry out economic activities at a time when they are facing challenges in earning an income due to restrictions imposed to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I am therefore shocked that Kok had raised in the Dewan Rakyat pointless and frivolous objections to this move to help small traders.
"It was particularly disappointing to hear her insinuate that consequent to the free zone proposal, hawker stalls could be set up along Jalan Parlimen.
"The livelihood of our small traders is not a laughing matter," she said in a statement.
Zuraida also criticised the DAP lawmaker for saying that the new policy would turn Kuala Lumpur into Ketereh in Kelantan where small traders can set up stalls "anywhere they like".
"Contrary to her claims, the proposal to allow the traders to set up their stalls are subject to reasonable conditions set by their authorities," Zuraida said.
The "free trade" policy was introduced by Federal Territories Minister Annuar Musa, who is also the Ketereh MP.
Under the policy, any small trader can set up a stall in anywhere in Kuala Lumpur as long as they are deemed suitable by the authorities.
They only need to apply for a six-month temporary business permit which is free of charge.
Zuraida said instead of a knee jerk objection, Kok and other opposition MPs should support the initiative which will help the livelihood of people.
"Teresa Kok and others of her ilk should remember that the small traders do not draw a guaranteed and substantial salary from government coffers, as do MPs," said the Bersatu's Ampang MP. - Mkini
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