SARIKEI: Seasonal fruit traders will no longer be allowed to operate at the Rejang Waterfront, with the Sarikei District Council designating the Wisma Jubli Mutiara car park as the new temporary trading site.
Sarikei District Council chairman Councillor Stephen Wong Kie Yong said the decision followed a comprehensive assessment and consultations with relevant agencies.
He said the waterfront site was unsuitable because it served as a public recreational area where trading activities were not permitted under the Local Authorities Ordinance 1996 and the council’s public space management policy.
“The council has always upheld the principles of openness, transparency and accountability in its decision-making.
“Every proposal is assessed professionally based on facts, legal provisions, input from technical agencies and the public interest.
“Our decisions are not made in the interest of any particular party, but to balance the economic needs of traders with public safety, cleanliness and the well-being of the community,” he told a press conference here yesterday (Jul 20).
The temporary trading site has been operating since June 1 and will remain open until Feb 28, 2027.
Wong said the decision was made after taking into account feedback from the police, Road Transport Department (RTD), Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), Agriculture Department and the Repok Service Centre.
He said the council also considered issues such as cleanliness, traffic congestion, public safety and complaints received during previous fruit-selling seasons.
He added that the new temporary trading site at the Wisma Jubli Mutiara car park offered a larger space, sufficient parking facilities and multiple entry and exit routes to ease traffic flow.
“The site could accommodate 58 trading lots, more than double the 27 lots previously available at Rejang Waterfront.
“This means more traders will have the opportunity to conduct their businesses in a more organised and comfortable environment,” he said.
He said the temporary site was reserved exclusively for seasonal fruit traders and would not be open to wholesale businesses.
Wong said the council would intensify promotional efforts through its official social media platforms, public announcements and local media to encourage the public to support traders at the new location.
He reiterated that the council supported local economic activities but stressed they must comply with the law without compromising public safety, cleanliness or public amenities.
