THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) will consider the requests of all 42 night market operators for an extension of their monthly rental waiver.
Its mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang said the operators had previously been given four months of rental waiver, from April to July this year.
“We understand the plight that all these traders are going through during these trying times, and this matter will be discussed in the upcoming ‘Mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Tetap Pengurusan Kewangan’ on Nov 18.
“The well-being of Penangites is of utmost importance, especially individuals who make a living through such businesses.
“We will do all we can to cater to the needs of these operators,” Yew said when he visited the night market off Lengkok Mahsuri in Bayan Baru yesterday.
Yew added that it cost MBPP a total of RM8,240 monthly waiver for all 42 night markets.
While rental waiver was previously only granted for four months, he said for August and September, the operators have to settle outstanding payments as required.
If approval is given for the extension of rental waiver, Yew said it would be until the end of the year.
“We do not know how things will develop in the next few months or years like we are all experiencing now. Nevertheless, it is crucial to ensure all standard operating procedures (SOPs) are properly adhered to.
“Let us all continue to be responsible and take care of not only ourselves, but the people around us too,” Yew told the press.
Also present was Mahsuri Village Community Management Council (MPKK) chairman Syed Baharuddin Syed Hashim.
The night market currently has some 180 stalls actively operating every Thursday from 5pm to 9pm.
Story and pix by Kevin Vimal