Ramadan traders: No alternative but to pay RM3k for a lot

Traders at the capital's premier Ramadan bazaar along Jalan Masjid India said they had no choice but to fork out upwards of RM3,000 for a lot as it was a highly coveted area.

The bazaar is at the centre of controversy after a Bersatu youth leader was accused of using political connections to secure permits for 80 lots from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for RM6,238.40 and then selling each permit to the traders for up to RM5,000.

One such trader, 40-year-old Saiful Abdullah said he had paid RM3,000 to secure a lot there for a week.

"I paid RM3,000 for a week and began operating last Friday. But we can't operate tomorrow as it overlaps with the night market.

"It's not easy to get a spot here," he told Malaysiakini.

Meanwhile, 32-year-old Zamri who sells Raya delicacies said he, too, forked out RM3,000 for a lot.

"We want to make a livelihood so we are forced to pay. Making a small profit margin is still better than nothing," he said.

Abdullah Rafiq, 40, said he managed to secure a lot for nine days for around RM6,000 adding he was willing to bear the high cost as it was considered a prime area.

"This place is considered a gold mine for doing business as the demand is high.

"That is why those who rented us the lots squeezed us as they know this location is coveted by many," he said.

He claimed agents selling the lots could make between RM80,000 to RM100,000.

"The poor stay poor and can't get rich," Abdullah lamented.

Likewise, Sharifah Mohamad, 41, was able to do business along Jalan Masjid India during this Ramadan by forking out RM8,000 for two lots.

"This is the first time I am doing business here [...] it's hard for us to get a spot here so we have to pay a high price," he said.

Ipen, 35, who sells Baju Melayu attire sets, said he had to fork out RM3,500 for a spot but was willing to do it due to the fast-moving sales.

"We don't make much profit but it is a good opportunity to clear stock," he said.

Bukit Bintang Bersatu Youth chief Mohd Noorhisyam Abdul Karim has been accused of using political connections to secure rights to 80 bazaar lots there and then renting them out for as high as RM5,000 per lot allegedly making up to RM400,000 in the process.

DBKL told Malaysiakini that it did not intend to open Ramadan bazaar lots along Jalan Masjid India but had only done so after receiving a “letter of support” from DAP's Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun.

Fong said he only issued the letter after Noorhisyam told him no payment would be collected and that it was to supposedly help traders who previously hadn't been able to get a Ramadan bazaar licence from DBKL.

However, Mohd Noorhisyam, when contacted by Malaysiakini, denied he collected payment more than the cost imposed by DBKL. -Mkini