FACED with slow business, hawkers at the Taman Segar multilevel parking complex food court will be facing yet another challenge — a rise in their monthly rent.
The hawkers in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, were given the keys to their new lots at the food court last November but had to struggle with poor business.
Earlier this month, they were given a notice by the management on the rental increment.
Bahrin Rahim, 54, who represented the hawkers, said they were informed by the management that lot owners had to pay an additional RM150 for maintenance, besides the RM350 monthly rent.
“We were notified through a letter that there was a change of management last month from the local authorities to a private company.
“The rent hike is unreasonable since we hardly get many customers. It would be different if business was flourishing.”
Bahrin added that new tenants from a nearby food court in Taman Desa Aman would be relocated to join them.
It was learnt that additional lots would be built to accommodate them in the food court which has 20 lots.
He hoped the local council would clarify the matter, especially the rise in rent, as it could burden them in the long run.
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Cheras Wanita MCA chief Heng Sinn Yee, who visited the hawkers in Taman Segar, has confirmed that a meeting with Kuala Lumpur mayor Tan Sri Mhd Amin Nordin Abd Aziz has been set up. Heng said the hawkers had raised several issues that needed the authorities’ attention.
“We will raise the five issues, including frequent water disruption, with Amin Nordin.
“Hopefully, we can maintain the RM350 rent and request for a one-year exemption. The tenants also hope they will get free parking space near the food court.”