FT Minister: Festive bazaar in Jalan Masjid India area returns for Deepavali
Thursday, 13 Sep 20188:42 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will allow the festive bazaar along the Jalan Masjid India area to be held one last time despite announcing its closure several months ago following numerous complaints and problems.
Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad said the Deepavali bazaar will start on Oct 1, but this would be its final year where the bazaar will be given approval.
"We have agreed to allow the area to have the Deepavali bazaar, but this will the last year Masjid India area can be used for bazaars. This is the last time," he said during a press conference at the DBKL headquarters on Thursday (Sept 13).
Khalid said he decided to allow the bazaar to take place for the Deepavali period as he was approached by a few groups on the matter.
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He added that the applications for the bazaar lots will open next week and those interested have to apply directly to DBKL.
"There will be no middlemen. We want those that want to do business to apply directly to DBKL," he said.
He said those applying for the bazaar lots will have to pay RM250 for the rent, RM300 for the tent, and RM250 for the deposit.
Khalid added that the bazaar lots would be limited to only 100.
He also said DBKL will take stern action against those found to rent out their lots to others.
Khalid said those caught flouting the rules will have their licences revoked, as well as being blacklisted by DBKL.
He pointed out that DBKL was still looking for potential places to hold the festive bazaars next year, and among those identified is in Bukit Jalil.
"Next year the new alternative area for the bazaar to be held will be announced," he said.
In June, former KL Mayor Tan Sri Mohd Amin Nordin Abd Aziz had announced that the Ramadan or Deepavali bazaars will no longer be allowed to be held in Jalan Masjid India, Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman and its surrounding areas.
It was reported that the festive bazaars had received a lot of complaints over the years, mainly concerning mismanagement, the subletting of lots to others for profit, the poor sanitation at the area and the involvement of middlemen.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2018/09/13/ft-minister-festive-bazaar-in-jalan-masjid-india-area-returns/#YJ24EjujwrljuqcJ.99
