KUALA LUMPUR: Associations do not confer trading lots to non-members, said Malaysian Federation of Hawkers and Petty Traders Association president Datuk Seri Rosli Sulaiman after traders complained of unfair lot distribution by associations tasked with handling more than 40 bazaars in the city.
"We have processes that are endorsed by City Hall and others. Non-members cannot waltz in or get lots just by application, they have to be members to be approved and then get in line."
He said this was because the associations bore the task of ensuring security, compliance with the Covid-19 movement restriction's standard operating procedures (SOP) and the cleanliness of the area.
This, he stressed, cannot be abused by traders looking to gatecrash their facilities without paying membership fees.
Rosli said lots were also conferred on a traditional basis.
"We have a set list that is updated for every bazaar. If a person traditionally occupies the lot, it is reserved for him.
"However, if he opts out, others can apply for the lot and it would be given to those in the queue on a first come, first serve basis, provided they pay up their dues, in terms of permits, on time."
On traders who threatened to go rogue and "rambo" or trade illegally due to this, Rosli said they did so at their own risk.
"If they get caught by City Hall or the police, they will have to pay the fine. And the fine for violating Covid-19 SOP is not chump change especially now."
City Hall, on the other hand, handles the applications for a number of Ramadan bazaars in the city centre. This includes the Lorong TAR Bazaar. The selection process for these bazaars are through online balloting.