IPOH: Several business communities in the city are upset over their eviction notices as well as the issue of unlicensed ice suppliers and foreigners working without permits, of late.
At the Ipoh Wholesale Market, a coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) claimed that the presence of unlicensed ice suppliers and foreigners working without permits here were seen as oppressing Bumiputera traders and affecting their income.
Its representative, Azrul Suhadi Ahmad Mokhtar said the situation was unfair as no action was taken against unlicensed traders.
“The Ipoh City Council (MBI) should conduct inspections continuously to ensure that the wholesale market is free from foreigners working without permits and the unlicensed traders,” he said in front of the market today.
Meanwhile, in Taman Ipoh Timur, another group of traders also protested against a notice to vacate the business site, where they have never been charged any fees previously.
Nasi lemak seller Norhayati Ramli, 50, expressed regret and surprise when she received the notice as well as told to pay rent of RM1, 500, which she feels is unreasonable as she has only been plying her trade by the road side.
Burger seller Mohammad Firdaus, 20, who has only been trading there for two days, hoped that the evacuation issue could be resolved with the intervention of the MBI.
“I was told by the existing traders that there was no rental charged, that’s why I set up the tent to do business here until I was issued a notice as well,” he said.
Meanwhile, MBI said in a statement that although a company had been appointed to manage the land at the business site, it was not authorised to issue a notice of eviction to the traders as that could only be done by MBI, as the landowner.
“Therefore, MBI will issue a warning letter to Evolusi Beliaemas Sdn Bhd so that this does not recur and they have to honour the conditions in the agreement offer,” the statement added.
Regarding the issue at the Ipoh Wholesale Market, it is understood that MBI would hold a special press conference tomorrow.- Bernama
