Traders fined at Penang fair for not being local residents
GEORGE TOWN : Local government enforcement officers have drawn flak after a video showing them fining stallholders at a trade fair in Bukit Mertajam went viral.
In a now-deleted TikTok video shared by the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), enforcement officers were seen issuing compound notices to traders selling sarees and other Indian-themed goods.
The officers were also heard describing the event, held earlier this month, as illegal.
The traders at the concourse of the supermarket were told that they were in violation of two rules: they were not Penang residents, and they were selling 'Indian-themed items' outside the allowed period.
'I have an SSM licence, and I am a Malaysian, and you're saying I can't do business?' one shocked trader was heard asking, referring to the Companies Commission of Malaysia.
The video then showed the MBSP officers speaking to the Kuala Lumpur-based event organiser, who appeared equally confused.
The officers explained that under a state policy, only Penang residents could sell 'Indian-related' items and hold fairs.
Non-Penangites could only trade their wares from April 1 to June 30, or during the 30 days before Deepavali.
'All Malaysians are welcome to trade their wares from April to June. No problem,' one officer was heard saying.
The organiser refused to comment fearing repercussions.
The fair was held from July 9 to 13 and deemed a 'big success', with a South Indian soap star gracing its opening. Such Indian-related fairs are common across the peninsula, where cheap wares and textiles are sold at prices lower than brick and mortar stores.
Former MBSP councillor P David Marshel asked if such a policy was legal, saying it may go against Article 8 of the Federal Constitution, which guarantees equal treatment for all citizens.
He urged the Penang government to clarify whether the policy had been formally approved, and to cancel the compound notices issued.
Batu Uban assemblyman A Kumaresan said such a policy may risk creating a perception that Penang is not open to fair business practices.
'Restricting events to certain months may not be the best way forward. This could dampen growth and limit healthy competition between local and outside traders,' he said in a statement.
He said while the rule may have been aimed at protecting local businesses from unfair competition, a more equitable solution would be to manage, not block, participation.
'I urge the state to review this policy and seek a more balanced, fair and business-friendly approach that benefits all,' he said.
FMT has contacted MBSP and state executive councillor for local government H'ng Mooi Lye for comment.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
an hour ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Kuching to have longest riverfront and new landmark garden
Kuching North mayor Hilmy Othman said a 16-hectare floral garden will be developed near Jalan Astana and would be a major public attraction and eco-tourism destination. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The Kuching Waterfront is to be extended and will be Malaysia's longest river waterfront under a development plan by the Kuching North City Hall which includes a 16-hectare floral garden, inspired by Singapore's Gardens by the Bay. Kucing North mayor Hilmy Othman said the extended Kuching Waterfront will run from Sungai Bintangor to the Satok Bridge, the Borneo Post reported. The project is part of plans by the city hall (DBKU) to transform Kuching into a low-carbon, globally competitive capital city under Sarawak's development strategy. The 16-hectare floral garden, one of the headline projects, is to be developed near Jalan Astana. Hilmy said the floral garden would serve as a major public attraction and eco-tourism destination, drawing both tourists and plant lovers. Complementing this is the upcoming Bamboo Gallery, a 25-hectare green architecture and sustainability education centre near Jalan Crookshank. 'These projects aim to preserve the site's natural greenery and heritage,' Hilmy said. He said DBKU would continue investing in infrastructure that blends sustainability with public benefit. The city has already installed more than 2,000 smart streetlights to cut energy use and reduce maintenance costs, along with over 300 CCTVs to boost security. A smart parking system, set to replace the coupon model, is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025 and integrated into the iDBKU digital platform.
Free Malaysia Today
an hour ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Sarawak to be first state with diversity unit
Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg at the launch of a women's day celebration in Kuching today. (Ukas pic) PETALING JAYA : Sarawak will be the first state in the country to set up a diversity, equality and inclusivity unit, premier Abang Johari Openg revealed. The unit, known as D2EI for diversity, equality, equity and inclusivity, will be set up in the state department of women and family development, The Borneo Post reported. Abang Johari said the D2EI principles are in line with his administration's post-Covid-19 development strategy, which emphasises inclusivity. He also believes that these values could help raise household income and reduce poverty across the state over time. For now, Abang Johari said the state government hopes to boost the involvement of women in high-growth sectors, by providing support in the form of economic grants, digital entrepreneurship training and startup assistance. 'We have asked the banks to assist us in investment-related efforts, including lifelong learning opportunities. This will certainly empower women more comprehensively in line with the D2EI values,' he was quoted as saying. This is not the first time Sarawak has introduced progressive policies. In 2023, it became the first state in Malaysia to have an ombudsman law. DEI policies, whose origins date back to the US civil rights movement, made headlines after US president Donald Trump issued an executive order after taking office in January directing government agency chiefs to dismantle DEI policies at federal agencies, federal contractors and in the private sector.
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
FGV delisting process to begin on Aug 28, says Anwar
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the 3D Mega Carnival for rural entrepreneurs and Felda settlers in Kuala Lumpur today. (Bernama pic) KUALA LUMPUR : Felda can begin to independently determine the direction of FGV Holdings Bhd after the company's delisting from Bursa Malaysia, which will begin on Aug 28, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. He said Felda, its cooperative and settlers, could then fully focus on the agency's original mission of safeguarding the rights, returns, and interests of the settlers. 'We can proceed with the delisting starting Aug 28. This means Felda is no longer bound. It can decide its own direction and provide assurances to the Felda Cooperative so that the benefits and interests of the settlers remain the top priority,' he said at an event here today. Anwar said he and Felda chairman Ahmad Shabery Cheek and colleagues would ensure Felda receives clear guidance from the government to make sure FGV returns to Felda's original mission. FGV informed Bursa Malaysia on Tuesday that Felda had acquired 91.73% of the company's total issued shares. FGV's shares are expected to be suspended from trading five market days after the offer for all remaining shares closes on Aug 15.
