NIGHT markets, or "pasar malam", in Kuala Lumpur could be extinct in 10 years if nothing is done to address the issues plaguing traders and hawkers, the night markets association said.
They cite a bleak business outlook, blaming e-hailing food delivery services, rapid city development, ungazetted night market areas, and a drop in customer numbers due to poor locations as contributing factors for their impending demise.
Pertubuhan Pengurusan Pasar Malam Kuala Lumpur (PMKL) president, Gulam Muszaffar Gulam Mustakim, said traders are struggling post-pandemic.
“We are facing many challenging issues as business is slowing down. We are competing with food delivery services.
“I have to be honest, maybe in 10 years, we won’t see any more pasar malam because the attraction is not there anymore and the gig economy might supersede our businesses,” he told The Vibes.
He said PMKL currently manages 85 night market locations around KL.
“Since last year, about 12 pasar malam have closed down. We wouldn’t be surprised if more close down in the near future."
Muszaffar also reported that in the last six months, business had dropped by up to 50% for night market operators.
“Last year we managed to get good profits of up to 30%. Now, there is a reduction where you can only get about 10% to 15% depending on the area.
“This is due to the cost of living and high prices of goods and services. Customers are also tightening their belts, forcing traders to use their capital to cover their losses.
"Previously, traders could bring home RM3,000 per month, but now it has dropped to RM1,500.
“Moreover, they are living in KL where the cost of living is high,” he said.
Muszaffar said fewer people are frequenting night markets as they are being cautious with their spending.
“For example, the Taman Melawati pasar malam in KL could previously attract about 2,000 customers, but now it has dropped to 600 or 700.
“Pasar malam used to be a meeting point for people and as family outings, but now that no longer exists. Another reason could be the lack of parking space and traffic congestion in pasar malam areas. People don’t want to worry about traffic congestion and parking.”
Another issue is that development projects in the city have forced night markets out of locations where they have been operating for years.
He said the authorities should allow night markets to continue operating even if there is a development project near the site.
“If a pasar malam is relocated to a new area, the response from the people won’t be the same. After a few months, when the traders see there is no business, they will close down.
“If there is no policy to upgrade pasar malam by the authorities, it will be difficult for traders. We urge the authorities to upgrade and maintain these original sites,” Muszaffar said.
He also said local authorities must be brave enough to take radical measures if these night markets are to remain. – August 1, 2024.
