TRADERS URGED TO HOLD TALKS ON DATO KERAMAT MARKET REDEVELOPMENT APPROVALS

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- The Dato Keramat Branch of the Federal Territory Malay Hawkers and Petty Traders’ Association (PPPKM) has been urged to immediately discuss with traders at Datuk Keramat Market to obtain the necessary approvals for the redevelopment of the market.

Political secretary to the Finance Minister Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had instructed him to inspect the immediate improvement measures implemented by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) around the market, which involved upgrading the roads, the wiring system, and rehabilitating manholes.

However, he said that some of the market’s structures, including roofs that were more than 40 years old, could not be repaired and required redevelopment for the safety and comfort of both traders and visitors.

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“The primary concern for traders is where they can operate during the market’s redevelopment. I have asked that this issue be coordinated with the Titiwangsa Parliamentary Office, DBKL, and the PPPKM Dato Keramat Branch.

“This means that we must first secure approval in principle from the traders, and we will establish one or two areas as temporary or transit zones for them to carry on with their business,” he told Bernama after visiting the market today.

Muhammad Kamil said that reaching an agreement with the hawkers was vital, not only to ease the redevelopment process but also to prevent future problems.

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On July 26, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, visited the Datuk Keramat Market and instructed DBKL to give attention and priority to the redevelopment of the market, which is in a dilapidated condition.

Meanwhile, PPPKM Dato Keramat branch chairman Mohamed Tarmizi Mohamed Akil said his party was not against the redevelopment of the market, which had been planned for a long time, but sought assurances on multiple issues.

“Most traders here are traumatised by relocation issues because various problems may arise. For example, around 100 traders were previously told to move to a new site, but they were unable to conduct business there, leading to their eventual closure.

“This situation is different for those traders who remain here; they are still operating today. Therefore, there must be an agreement and guarantees regarding the relocation period and business locations, as we are supporting our families and have commitments to fulfil,” he said.

-- BERNAMA