The surroundings of two major wet markets in Penang have proven to be torturous to residents who endure traffic congestion and errant parkers.
Checks by the New Straits Times at the Pulau Tikus and Jelutong markets show that haphazard parking and illegal traders have caused a nuisance to those plying the area.
At the Pulau Tikus market, hazardous parking and traffic congestion are the order of the day with two mixed developments being erected nearby.
Traders are up in arms over the situation, as it had driven away many customers who are now patronising smaller and ‘less congested’ markets.
Newspaper and magazine vendor Mohamad Hassan Karim Sultan felt the project taking place on two former car parks.
“Now people are forced to park by the roadside and some even double park.Back in the day, customers would come in to spend more time for a meal, now they just grab something and go fearing enforcement officers,” said the 49-year-old.
A regular to the market, Lee May Ling, 44, said that she now rarely comes to the market since it was always difficult to get a parking.
Lim Teng Tein, 60, echoed Lee’s sentiment, saying the scarce parking was a major cause of heartache among residents in Pulau Tikus.
“It was never a problem before, until two major developments nearby,” said the trader.
An enforcement officer met told the NST that some 50 summonses were issued daily and nearly 20 cars were towed away in the area as well.
The two projects in contention are a commercial complex at Jalan Cantonment and a 27-storey mixed development project adjacent to the market has caused nearby residents and marketers jittery over the inconvenience caused.
The projects’ owners have promised to provide ample of public parking bays once complete.
Meanwhile, in Jelutong, illegal traders continue to trade opposite homes here despite an enforcement blitz against them more than a year ago.
The traders are spill overs from the overcrowded Jelutong Market nearby, effecting mostly residents nearby.
The market, which opens from 6am to 1pm daily, is popular with locals. Many capitalise on the popularity of the market by opening stalls at the fringes of the market, spilling over to Jalan Penaga to Lorong Ipoh which is a residential area.
Despite the Penang Island Municipal Council’s (MPPP) strict orders not to obstruct driveways of homes and to clear out by closing time, many continue their businesses as usual.
A resident met felt the enforcement by MPPP has been improved but the traders continue to be a nuisance in the area.
“The enforcement officers come and go. But when we want to park or reverse our cars to fetch our children, it is nearly impossible,” said a resident on condition of anonymity.
ends