Kota Baru's traffic light peddlers - nuisance or necessity?

 

- NSTP/SHARIFAH MAHSINAH ABDULLAH

KOTA BARU: Peddlers at traffic lights, previously a rare occurrence here, have started to become more commonplace with a noticeable surge in numbers.

In the state capital, the number of these street hawkers have increased. A casual observation last year showed an average of around 15 and 25 peddlers along traffic light intersections in Kota Baru.

Now, it has risen to an average of 40 peddlers.

At many junctions in the state capital, as soon as the traffic light turns red, the spaces in between the cars would be filled with peddlers hawking their wares, ranging from drinks, pickled fruits as well as cooked products.

Usually with a placard around their neck displaying the item for sale, the sellers, arms filled with plastic bags, would go from car to car, seeking potential buyers in a mad rush against time before the lights turn green.

Some peddlers, especially the youngsters, said it was a quick way to make money.

- NSTP/SHARIFAH MAHSINAH ABDULLAH

One female peddler, who wished to be known only as Iza, said she started venturing into the business early this year.

Iza, 22, sells iced drinks at the Jalan Kuala Krai traffic light intersection. The Pengkalan Chepa lass said she was drawn to the job as several of her friends are also working in the same company.

Iza and her friends sell iced drinks such as 'teh beng' and 'Milo beng' to parched motorists at RM3 per glass.

"I'm happy with the work as I get a good commission," she said.

For others, however, a day's take means the difference between eating dinner or going hungry.

Roslan Yusuf, 55, said he became a traffic light peddler out of necessity.

Roslan said he was a fishmonger in Kuala Krai before a motorcycle accident left him unable to walk properly. Frustrated with the frequent medical leave Roslan was taking, his employer decided to let him go.

Jobless for awhile, Roslan said that at one point, all he could feed his wife and four children were plain white rice with salt.

Roslan Yusuf, 55, a former fishmonger turned traffic light peddler. - NSTP/SHARIFAH MAHSINAH ABDULLAH

"I used up all my savings so that we could survive. In the end, we decided to move to Kota Baru after hearing about this job," he said when met at the Jalan Kuara Krai intersection, where he plies his trade daily.

Roslan said what he earns is enough to support his family.

"It's enough for us to get by. I don't mind the work as long as I get to earn a living," he said.

Motorists, however, appear divided over whether the peddlers are a key component of the service industry or a nuisance.

Yahya Mohamad, a former civil servant, said he was aware that police had repeatedly cautioned the sellers that they were breaking the law.

"Their activities at traffic light junctions can not only disrupt traffic but also endanger not just their lives but those of others.

"The safety of the food sold is also dubious at best. We don't know if it is freshly sourced, whether proper hygiene practices were followed during the packing," said the 60-year-old from Kuala Paloh.

Another motorist, who wished only to be known as Man, disagreed and said the peddlers should be left alone.

"Look, times are hard and everyone is doing what they can to get by. As long as the sellers aren't too disruptive and respect the boundaries, just let them sell their wares." - NST