IT has become a norm during festive seasons for local councils to issue temporary permits for stall operators selling goods.
These roadside stalls are a welcome venue for shoppers.
However, the rationale for granting temporary permits to roadside stalls is questionable.
Is it fair to issue temporary permits for seasonal stalls that hawk the same goods sold in permanent shops?
Has the council considered the impact of the stalls’ location on the flow of traffic? Why allow them to be set up near schools, which forbid hawkers?
Also, councils should advise customers on how they can seek compensation or replacement for goods that are discovered to be damaged after they were bought from such stalls.
Councils should tell the public how they ensure that the goods sold by stalls are safe.
The authorities must let people knew the criteria for issuing temporary permits.
CHONG HAI YONG
Rifle Range, Penang