The Ramadhan Bazaars in Malaysia are known for the myriads of food but unfortunately, the food markets often go viral due to the customers’ dissatisfaction with the food quality or the prices.
If we were to think from the vendors’ perspectives, they, too, are struggling with not only the rising cost of goods but also the jacked-up rental fees. In the Parliament yesterday (March 26), Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim reminded all authorities NOT TO pressure the vendors in Ramadhan Bazaar by increasing the rental.
“Some bazaars are not handled by the authorities but by 3rd parties – the agents.”
PMX himself had personally visited a few Ramadhan bazaars recently and was shocked to find out about the high rentals.
“I’ve instructed City Councils that handle bazaars not to charge high rentals, especially at pressuring times like this.”
Anwar stated that sometimes, some agencies take the opportunity to charge vendors more for their rental, even when Ramadhan Bazaars have nothing to do with the Sales & Services Tax (SST).
“A little too late to talk about rental, no?”
Malaysian netizens, however, thought that it was too late for PMX to bring up the matter given how Raya is less than 2 weeks away. Some also sarcastically mentioned about the tax charges by the government.
“Raya is just around the corner.”
“It’s more than 15 days since we fast and now you’re talking about it. Slow.”
“I hope Anwar can tell PMX not to pressure the people with taxes and the high cost of living.”
“But it’s fine if we’re pressured by the federal government. Thank you PMX for understanding.”
“We’re more than halfway since the 1st day of Ramadhan. Did he just come out of the cave? This is something that should’ve been discussed before Ramadhan.”
“So it’s fine if his minister threatens the people to register for PADU?”
“But it’s fine if you charge us with taxes, right?”
“You might as well bring this up after Raya.”
PMX also highlighted in Parliament about why the implementation of taxes is necessary – to prevent the downfall of the country’s economy and avoid more debt.
To all the Ramadhan Bazaar vendors out there, what do you think of the rental this year?
