by Bernard Cheah
GEORGE TOWN (Aug 15, 2010): The state government will help some 3,000 Malay night market traders obtain licences within a year.
Deputy Chief Minister (I) Datuk Mansor Othman said the state government, together with the local councils, would try to license these traders, who are members of the Penang Malay Night Market Traders Association.
"This is so that the state government and local authorities can monitor and control the whereabouts of these traders," he said.
Currently, night market traders only have a licence to rent a lot to carry out their business, and are given permission by either the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) or the Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) to sell their wares.
The hawker's licence costs RM36 and has to be renewed yearly.
"However, the traders have to abide by the local council's regulations before getting the licence," he said, which includes getting typhoid shots, and following safety and cleanliness measures.
He said the state government would discuss plans to legalise the non-bumiputra night market traders in the near future.
"The pasar malam are important as they help with the state government economy. We will support their businesses whenever possible," he said after presenting more than 40 Sungai Ara night traders with their hawker licences today.
Mansor hoped the night markets would improve and realise their potential as a tourist attraction.
"On my recent visit to Taiwan, the night markets there are managed properly, with sales of products and games for children, and they are a tourist attraction," he said. -- theSun
