KUALA LUMPUR: Operators of Ramadan bazaar lot sites in Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman (TAR) are naming "renters" as sales assistants.
This tactic is used to avoid authorities from detecting the 'Ali Baba' (sublet) practices in the area.
This tactic was revealed to Harian Metro by individuals believed to be brokers for site owners, aiming to attract interested traders.
These brokers negotiate and promote bazaar sites, especially in Lorong TAR, to interested parties.
The sources claim that it's a common tactic to list the name of a second-party or the 'renter' of the bazaar site as a sales assistant.
"We do this every year, putting someone's name as a sales assistant," they said.
Furthermore, these bazaar sites are offered for rent at up to RM10,000, promoted by specific individuals through closed social media groups to avoid detection by authorities.
Some of them also offer special site plans for traders who fail to secure a site during the application process.
One individual, when contacted by a journalist via social media message, refused to disclose information and the location of the site for rent.
"Sorry sir, you've just joined this group. If you're really interested, you can meet me at the lorong (TAR), I can't disclose it (the location) here.
"Many here are joy buyers. After receiving their answers, some remain silent, and some take screenshots and report to the authorities, that's why if you're really interested, you can meet me directly," he said.
He added that the site's price depends on the location and promised a lower price compared to last year.
"Now we can't set high prices, not everyone can make a profit if the prices are high.
"Don't worry, we'll list your name as a sales assistant, we do this every year," he said.
Meanwhile, an anonymous trader said that the Aidilfitri bazaar sites in Lorong TAR usually start filling up with traders in the second week of Ramadan.
"At the beginning of Ramadan, this group actively promotes sites for rent at high prices," they said.
Kuala Lumpur Bumiputera Traders and Hawkers Association president Datuk Seri Rosli Sulaiman said that the issue of selling sites to third parties is not new.
"Last night, I was informed that there are still individuals selling sites, especially in Lorong TAR. This happens every year here, it's difficult to control.
"The association also suggested the Kuala Lumpur City Hall allocate sites to seasoned traders and thise who are financially capable," he said.
He said they have noticed traders who previously sold wet items but still getting sites in Lorong TAR.
Rosli said those leasing sites to other parties could generate lucrative profits based on the strategic location of the business area.
"A site, if based on licensing fees with a deposit, is only about RM3,000," he said.
To combat this activity, Rosli, who is also the Federation of Malaysian Hawkers and Traders Association president urged local authorities to take firm action such as seizing sites found being leased to third parties.