MUKAH: Some traders are allegedly hoarding stalls at an open-air centre here, and this is making those who really want to do business but can’t get a licence, unhappy.
The centre which is in the heart of town, has 52 trading stalls, believed to be owned by a local authority.
A survey by New Sarawak Tribune yesterday found that while some licence holders were busy earning a living, there were a few who did the opposite.
They conducted their business according to their own schedule and depending on the nature of goods and services offered.
Products and services available at the centre ranged from food, drinks, souvenirs, clothing, including second-hand ones, to tailoring and mobile phone repair services.
The size of each stall is about 10×10 feet, and the spacious area with fixed tables and chairs for diners is just in front.
A trader in her 40s who declined to be named said it was difficult to apply for licence although a number of stalls had been closed for quite some time.
“Those licence holders who are not operating for quite a long period seem to be just hoarding the facility, depriving others from renting the stalls,” she lamented.
According to her, the monthly rental charged by the owner of the centre was RM45.
The trader, who is in the tailoring business, said she had been sharing the stall with her colleague for the past one month.
