Consumer group calls out high fees at CNY market, demands answers

A CONSUMER rights group in Sabah is raising the alarm over steep stall rental fees at the recent Chinese New Year (CNY) night market in Foh Sang, calling for transparency from those responsible.

The National Consumer Foundation (Sabah Branch) says traders were slapped with charges as high as RM550 for a three-day rental—despite Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) previously collecting only RM20 per day.

“In past CNY open markets managed by DBKK, stall rental was as low as RM4 per day. This sudden spike is unreasonable and places a burden on small traders,” said Sabah Branch Chairman David Chan in Kota Kinabalu, Wednesday. 

Apart from squeezing traders, the inflated costs could push up consumer prices, he warned, turning what should be a community-driven market into a profit-driven enterprise.

Chan is urging vendors to file complaints with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), citing the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.

“Under the Act, any entity found guilty of excessive profiteering could face fines ranging from RM500,000 to RM100 million,” he said.

Adding to the controversy, Warisan’s Kota Kinabalu division chief Samuel Wong is questioning the role of a community centre allegedly acting as a middleman in collecting these hefty fees.

“Why are traders paying directly to this community centre instead of DBKK? Who gave them the authority to impose RM550 fees?” Wong asked, calling for an explanation.

He also wants clarity on DBKK’s relationship with the centre and whether public resources are being used for private gain.

The issue echoes concerns raised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who recently warned against groups profiting from reselling business licences—though his comments were directed at Ramadan bazaars.

Anwar made it clear: the government will revoke any permits issued by local authorities that are transferred or resold to third parties.

For now, the National Consumer Foundation (Sabah Branch) is standing firm, calling for answers and urging affected traders to report their grievances. - February 12, 2025.