KOTA KINABALU – A Warisan lawmaker has slammed Kota Kinabalu City Hall’s move to shutter local night markets, as hawkers have incurred losses due to the directive.
Sepanggar MP Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman said the sellers have already paid deposits to set up shop and spent money on raw materials.
“The business community has suffered enough due to the Covid-19 pandemic this past year, and now they are trying to recover during the month of Ramadan,” he said, adding that he has been receiving complaints over the closures.
He was responding to the shutting down of night markets after photos of huge crowds swamping open eateries here went viral.
On Friday, the city hall ordered a two-week closure on all night markets in the city due to the surge of Covid-19 cases in the state.
Sabah has banned Ramadan bazaars, but allowed other markets to operate, till the photos circulated on social media.
Azis also took a swipe at the biased treatment of hawkers, questioning why buffets for breaking fast are allowed in established joints like the Sabah International Convention Centre, but not at local markets.
The food offered at such establishments are expensive, he added, and not all can afford them.
Warisan treasurer-general Terrence Siambun has also urged the state government to allow Ramadan bazaars to operate so small businesses may recover.
“I do believe the bazaars will benefit us, but the GRS government leaders are unable to think outside the box.
“GRS does not have the commitment and will to lead Sabah, (and lacks) bold leadership compared with the former Warisan Plus state administration.” – The Vibes, April 20, 2021
