Foreigners back in business at Selayang Market

Although the authorities had raided the place several times, and was imposed the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) due to the high COVID-19 infection last year, it did not deter them from returning there to carry out their business, including operating along the five-foot way of shop buildings near the two markets.

A check by Bernama found that at the daily market, which opens from early morning to evening, there are more foreign traders selling vegetables, fruits and perishable goods during the weekend.

Meanwhile, the area along the five-foot way of the rows of two-storey shop buildings near the Kuala Lumpur Wholesale Market has also become their business spot, with some having able to open restaurants and set up stalls selling beef, mutton and chicken.

A fish monger, Norizah Saptu, 42, said the foreign nationals returned to carry out their business at the premises after the local traders there were moved to a new location in June last year.

She said some of the foreign traders were also becoming bolder by moving their location to the shop buildings located between the border of the Selayang Municipal Council and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to deceive the authorities.

"During this period, many of us local traders are resuming our business again after having to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but now we have to compete with the foreign nationals.

"We have to bear a lot of costs, including for the licence and rental of our business premises, while the foreigners can just carry out their trader wherever they like," said Norizah who has been running her business for 11 years.

A resident, Zulfahmi Hakimi Mohamad Said, 35, said the situation at the shop building near the Kuala Lumpur Wholesale Market was like being in another country.

"The place is full of foreign traders and also dirty. If no immediate action is taken to address this issue, it is not only going to create safety problems, but also health issues and affect the economy of the local traders in the area," he said.

Meanwhile, the Selayang Area Head of the Federal Territory Bumiputera Traders and Hawkers Association, Mohd Hafiz Mohd Sidik said stricter legal action should be taken against the foreign traders to protect local traders.

"The foreign traders can afford to sell their goods at a cheaper price than local traders because they do not pay rent for their business premises and obtain goods directly from suppliers. It is possible that some of us (local traders) will be forced to close shop," he said.