Bleak Deepavali for Brickfields traders

Shop owners in Brickfields are disappointed with Kuala Lumpur City Hall for not allowing them to set up tents in front of their shops for Deepavali.

Traders who have been allowed to do so for the past 15 years said City Hall was not being fair to them as they were only informed about the decision at the eleventh hour.

“I have been doing business here for 15 years and we have always been allowed to set up tents in front of our shops. We've bought goods Deepavali months ago but City Hall only informed us about this decision two weeks ago,” said S. Krishnakumar who owns a bakery in the area.

A textile shop owner, K.Loganathan, 50 said Deepavali is suppose to be a joyous occasion, but the traders in the area may not be able to earn extra income due to the "harsh" ruling.

“It was a last minute decision by City Hall and it is not fair for us. Where are we going to put our goods now? How are we suppose to sell these goods by Deepavali when we barely have any customers now."

Another disappointed trader, S. Sellapa who owns a jewellery shop said he does not feel the tents will cause any obstruction.

“I’m very sad. We just want to set up tents in front of our own shop. We are not disturbing other shop owners, he said.

“At least inform us two or three months earlier before we place our orders from out suppliers,"Sellapa added.

Meanwhile, Brickfields Business Community Society president V. Subramaniam said the traders were only asking for tents to be set up at their shop area which is the heart of Little India.

“Having traders in the walkway will not cause traffic congestion or obstruct the blind because we have a spacious walkway."

Kuala lumpur Mayor, Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib when contacted said City Hall made the decision after consulting with all parties.

Ahmad Phesal said that the decision was a joint one which involved input from the Federal Territories and Urban-Wellbeing ministry as well as the public.

“We have to make a decision according to everyone’s opinion. Many protested and said goods should not be placed in front of the premises and we have to think about the public’s view as well. Besides, the blind community grumbled they had a difficult time walking and crossing the road when stalls are set up on the walkway,” he added.