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| Lo Khere Chiang (right) speaking to reporters. Also seen are MPP councillor Amy Tnay and Penghulu Pui Wen Mei. |
Chong had previously questioned MPP’s motive for taking over the management of the market from Triple S Marketing effective July 1, accusing MPP of intending to charge hawkers exorbitant fees.
“This issue has been blown out of proportion by the opposition who did not even try to get a clearer view of the entire situation from all parties before accusing the council,” Lo said after inspecting a road issue at Jalan Taman Sri Tapang, Mile 7 yesterday.
He pointed out that to date, the council had not collected a single sen from the hawkers since taking over the management of the market as MPP was still in the midst of re-registering hawkers.
“Previously, we collected RM3 out of the RM5 per day charged by Fama (Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority), which managed the market before Triple S Marketing took over.
“The amount collected is used to maintain the cleanliness of the market area. Thereafter, the council in a meeting decided to terminate Triple S service,” he explained, adding that the move was to implement a better management system in the interests of hawkers.
Lo accused Chong of merely attempting to stir emotions, as well as disrupt peace and unity among the hawkers for political mileage.
“I am very disappointed with the behaviour of YB Chong and Liew Ngian Chin (Triple S Marketing proprietor). It is funny why Chong wants to gang up with Liew to do such a thing,” he said, questioning Chong’s principles as Kota Sentosa assemblyman and Kuching MP.
“All he (Chong) does is go and find trouble and cause all this nonsense. He should go and find out and understand the real situation first.”
Lo reassured hawkers that they could continue to trade as usual and that there would be no change to the fees charged.
“The council is thankful to all the hawkers, in fact, for their understanding and cooperation over the years, especially in maintaining the cleanliness of the place. Without a doubt, they have done a good job,” he said.
He also called on hawkers to ensure good traffic flow in the area by sticking to the designated trading area.
“We have to be considerate and courteous towards the residents, especially those living above the shoplots as well as other business operators as they have been very accommodative and tolerant with the situation.”
Some 400 hawkers trade at the market every Thursday and Friday.
August 20, 2016, Saturday Borneo Post,
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