Hoarding may turn customers away from Cheras market

TRADERS at Pasar Besar Cheras in Kuala Lumpur are upset that hoarding has been placed around the market even though they have yet to move out.

The site will be demolished to make way for a high-rise project and traders will be relocated to a new market next door.

Mohamed Zubair Abd Aziz said the hoarding put up by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) might drive customers away.

“We have yet to be told the date of our relocation.

“The balloting for lots at the new market has also not been done,” said the trader.

Traders have yet to move into the new market next door.

He expressed concern that customers might think the market was closed because of the hoarding.

June Wong said some traders were informed verbally by DBKL officers that they would have to vacate by Dec 31.

She also expressed unhappiness with the smaller-sized lots at the new market.

“We hope the authorities can consider giving us some aid to help in the move,” she said.

A check by StarMetro found many stalls closed at the still-operational market.

A trader who only gave his name as Ibrahim said they might have to pay higher maintenance fee and rental at the new facility.

“Many traders here are senior citizens who may not be able to afford higher charges,” he said.

DBKL had not responded to requests for comments at press time.