Snacks wholesaler appeals for more time to relocate

GEORGE TOWN: A tidbits and snacks wholesaler at Jalan Maxwell here appealed to the state government today to extend the period for them to relocate until the end of this month.
Ooi Yan Hock, 63, said the heritage building owned by the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) was to be vacated by Nov 30 but he still had not found a suitable premises to operate from.
"I have sent a letter to the PDC to ask for an extension until after the Chinese New Year celebrations next year but I did not receive any reply, and I was shocked when they came and cut off the water and electricity supply last Monday.
"Even today someone had come, but only took pictures and observed from outside. I was scared that we might be told to evacuate immediately. Even if we can get an extension until the end of this month it will be fine," he told reporters today.
Ooi, who had been running the family business for more than 20 years, said it was understood that the building would be restored and made into an art gallery and handicrafts centre.
He said a rice wholesaler next to his premises also faced the same fate and was forced to operate without electricity and water for the past one week.
Ooi said he did not object to the project and had asked the state government to consider providing him with a business premises on the site after the project was completed, but he did not receive a favourable reply.
He said PDC, as the owner of the building, also did not pay the excise duty worth RM5,031.90 since March and he had settled it instead as he did not want his business to be affected.
"The Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) has sent a letter to the shop. I just paid it without any fuss as I was serious in conducting my business here," he said. – Bernama