30 traders protest against MBPP's plan to relocate their stalls

GEORGE TOWN: About 30 disgruntled traders near the popular Chowrasta Market today staged a protest over a plan by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to relocate their stalls in Jalan Kuala Kangsar to another location within the same area.
Seafood seller Lai Kong Hooi said they have been at the present location for decades and a move would only inconvenience traders and their regular customers.
He said the new site was cramp and humid and urged the authorities to let them stay where they were.
While Bakar Nordin who sells fruit pickles, chided Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and the Council for not understanding the situation.
"I feel sad and unhappy, this is very insensitive," he added.
Gopal Krishnan, who owns several shop lots near the market, meanwhile urged the Council to instead beautify the area and install more lighting to brighten the place.
Penang Amanah chairman Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa said he will assist the traders in reaching an amicable solution with the authorities.
"I hope we can get a win-win solution," he said during the protest today.
Councillor Ong Ah Teong when contacted said the Council will be holding a meeting to discuss the matter and declined to elaborate.