Batu Ferringhi hawkers reject new exorbitant rental fees

Hawkers at the Batu Ferringhi market, Penang, are complaining about a hike in stall rentals and exorbitant fees by the new management company appointed by the local council.

Their complaints were shared by two leaders of the Socialist Progressive Front - Parti Sosialis Malaysia central committee member Teh Yee Cheu and Parti Rakyat Malaysia state committee member Kelvin Chuah, who visited the market today.

Teh said some 27 roadside hawkers had been informed by the local council to attend a meeting on Nov 11 to meet with Batu Ferringhi Market's "new management".

"The operators were told that rental for a vegetable stall is RM1,600, for fishmongers is RM1,060 and fruit sellers is RM750.

"Even roti canai stalls are charged RM1,500 per month," he said.

Teh, who was former Tanjung Bungah assemblyperson, said the hawkers were informed only verbally and not in writing.

He said the hawkers could not accept the high rentals imposed on them.

Teh said in comparison, hawkers at other markets in Tanjung Bungah managed by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) were only charged RM75 rental for a vegetable stall.

He added that Teluk Bahang market charges hawkers only RM25, inclusive of water and electricity.

Teh also questioned privatisation of the Batu Ferringhi market.

"We are against the privatisation of the market. The high rentals of the market not only further burdens operators, but the cost incurred will also be transferred to consumers, and things will become expensive," he said.

Teh urged MBPP to clarify the matter and asked why was there no consultation on the privatisation of the market.

"Is privatisation a way to enable some companies to make a profit? Why did MBPP shift its responsibility to provide these necessary services to a private company?" Teh asked.

"We are against such privatisation, the state government must intervene in such decisions by MBPP that are not people-oriented," he added.

When contacted, MBPP mayor Yew Tung Seang said he would look into the complaints.

It is learnt that a tender was opened to appoint new management for the Batu Ferringhi market several months ago.

Tanjung Bungah assemblyperson Zairil Khir Johari also said he would look into the matter.

"If indeed they get a formal offer that is unreasonable then definitely I will look into it," he told Malaysiakini. - Mkini