Bangi traders say new site not conducive for business

ABOUT 60 food traders in Laman Niaga Bandar Seri Putra (BSP) in Bangi, Selangor, claim business went down by 60% after being relocated to the site.

They were originally trading from roadside stalls at various locations.

Due to public complaints on traffic congestion and safety concerns, Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) relocated all of them to an open space near Jalan Seri Putra 2/1, now known as Laman Niaga BSP, in March.

The traders claim MPKj has done nothing to make the site conducive for trading.

StarMetro in its report “Open field risky spot for business, say traders” on May 6 highlighted their concerns about the unsuitable and dangerous conditions.

The traders want MPKj to improve Laman Niaga BSP first before making them trade at the spot.

In the meantime, they want to return to their original sites by the road.

Kuih trader Nur Hidayah Rashid said the surface was not flat, making it dangerous.

“Every time it rains, it will get muddy with puddles of water forming everywhere.

“Customers avoid this area when it rains, and it has been raining almost every day.

“Even after the rain stops, the conditions do not get much better,” she said.

Nur Hidayah questioned why MPKj relocated them when Laman Niaga BSP was not ready.

She said many had been trading by the road for years and operating under temporary trading licences for the past couple of years.

“MPKj’s rushed decision has affected our earnings significantly,” she said.

Beyond the physical conditions, Nur Hidayah said MPKj had also imposed rules that were making it difficult for them to trade.

“We are not allowed to bring our vehicles into the site.

“The lots are shared so we are expected to clear out after closing.

“It is back-breaking work to carry all the items in and out daily.

“The ground condition is also not suitable for trolleys.”

Keropok lekor seller Nurul Safikah Mad Yasin said putting all traders in one area was not good for business.

She said in the past, every stall had its own target market comprising residents nearby.

Now that all the stalls were at the same location, she said competition was stiff.

“For example, there are about 10 stalls selling nasi lemak at Laman Niaga BSP in the morning, some next to each other.

“In the past, each stall had its own customers based on the location.

“Having a roadside stall is more convenient as people would make a quick purchase and be on their way.

“With the change in stall location, many are not buying from us anymore as we are out of the way,” she added.

She also said Laman Niaga BSP was a new site and people did not know about it.

MPKj corporate unit director Kamarul Izlan Sulaiman said roadside traders were relocated quickly to Laman Niaga BSP because of safety concerns.

“There were many complaints on the inconvenience and danger posed by roadside stalls,” he said.

However, he said MPKj was working on improving Laman Niaga BSP and until then, traders would not be charged any fees.

“We want to centralise the stalls, similar to the set-up at Laman Niaga Komuniti Bandar Baru Bangi, which is a success.

“There will be parking spaces, designated trading lots up to 150, prayer room and washroom among other facilities.

“Work is expected to start in December,” Kamarul Izlan said, adding that many of the traders were given temporary licences during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We are trying to accommodate all of them and others at Laman Niaga BSP,” he said.