By V. Sivaji
The Ipoh City Council will look for a win-win situation to overcome the car boot sale traders around Dataran MBI.
The council has had several dialogue sessions with the traders involved to resolve the matter amicably.
As recently as last week, a meeting was chaired by council secretary Ahmad Munir Ishak. Several senior officers from the council were also present.
They issued a press statement to clarify their stand stating that the matter is a three-year old issue and the council at that time, there were only three traders.
They were selling food and drinks, however, over the years, the number has increased exponentially to 80 traders now.
This is after the council had fitted decorative lights around the area.
The council clarified that they are mindful of the livelihood of these traders despite knowing they are operating illegally.
They have also received more than 30 complaints via the MyAduan MBI in 2024 and the MBI officers had given verbal warnings to these traders.
Accordingly, the council also held three dialogue sessions with these traders to overcome the matter in a timely manner.
The council suggested that the traders be relocated to the MBI Terrace to appease all parties despite criticism faced by the council considering the traders are illegal operator’s.
The MBI Terrace will also be upgraded in stages to cater for these traders too. The council will also assist to offer proper licenses to the qualified operators so that they can operate without any hindrances.
They will also be assisted to obtain financial assistance through the Sekretariat Usahawan Negeri Perak (STeP), Tabung Ekonomi Kumpulan Usaha Niaga (TEKUN Nasional), Bank – Bank Komersial among other establishments available.