MICCI backs Penang's festive trade fair policy to protect local Indian traders

New Straits Times

22-07-2025

GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI), Penang branch, has thrown its support behind the state government's policy of regulating the participation of outstation traders at Indian festive trade fairs in the state.
MICCI Penang president Datuk S. Parthiban said the measure was necessary to protect the livelihood of local Indian traders, many of whom depended heavily on festive events like Deepavali sales to sustain their annual operations.
"We commend the Penang government for its careful consideration of the challenges faced by local entrepreneurs.
"Many of them shoulder year-round obligations such as rent, staff wages and taxes, and deserve the opportunity to thrive during the festive season," he said in a statement today.
The policy, introduced five years ago, restricted the participation of festive sale carnivals to local traders only.
However, it still allowed for the inclusion of non-Penang traders during non-peak periods, specifically from April 1 to June 30.
"This is not a blanket ban. It is a structured, fair approach that balances the need to preserve market viability for Penang-based traders while allowing for healthy competition and diversity at other times of the year," Parthiban added.
The statement follows recent public discourse surrounding enforcement action by the Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) at an Indian trade fair in Bukit Mertajam.
The incident sparked social media attention after several traders were issued summonses, prompting clarification from Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Yesterday, Chow reaffirmed that the state's policy only applied during peak festive seasons and aimed at ensuring local traders were not undercut by outstation or foreign vendors offering products at lower prices.
In its own statement, MBSP reiterated that it did not ban cultural trade fairs, but was enforcing specific participation guidelines to protect the economic interests of local Indian traders.
The city council further confirmed that it had received complaints from local business groups over the dominance of external organisers and vendors during such carnivals.
MICCI Penang said the policy was aligned with its long-standing advocacy for a level playing field and welcomed continued collaboration with the state government to strengthen local business resilience.
"We thank the Penang government for taking a responsible, balanced and sustainable stance that benefits the wider business community," Parthiban said.