New location not conducive for business

IN A TIGHT SPOT: Traders at the Kampung Bakar Batu night market say the place is cramped

Traders at the Kampung Bakar Batu night market are finding it hard to run their business at their new location as the area is cramped. Pic by Mohamad Fahd Rahmat

JOHOR BARU: MORE than 30 traders at the Kampung Bakar Batu night market are claiming the location designated for the night market is cramped and is affecting their business.

 Fruit seller Esa Kassim, 46, said the problems arose when the night market traders were asked to relocate to the present location this year following a nearby development project.

  He said it was the fourth time he had to relocate his stall since setting up shop at the night market  20 years ago. “Previously, the other traders and I operated near the SK Bakar Batu but because of a highway project, we were told to move closer to a housing estate.

 “After we relocated, many customers thought our night market had closed down, and this had affected our business,” said Esa.

  Fashion accessories seller Roslina Rosman, 47, said the traders urged the Johor Baru City Council to take note of the problem before it worsens. She said if the problem persisted, she may have to close shop.

  “We are not happy about operating from here as it is cramped. We are also worried about our safety as minor accidents have occurred,”said Roslina.   Customer Budiman Markani, 46, said the night market does not have enough parking bays.

  “My family and I are forced to park our vehicles far away because the area is cramped. We hope the Johor Baru City Council will relocate the night market to a better place,” said Budiman.