MBS Denies Exorbitant Rental Rate Claims For Senawang Aidilfitri Bazaar Lots

SEREMBAN, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- The Seremban City Council (MBS) has denied allegations that organisers are charging exorbitant rental rates for Aidilfitri bazaar lots at Dataran Senawang.

Seremban mayor Datuk Masri Baharuddin said a meeting involving organisers and traders found that most organisers had imposed charges in line with the rates set by the council.

He said any allegations, including claims that traders were being charged between RM8,000 and RM14,000, could not be accepted without concrete evidence.

“If there are traders paying RM8,000 to RM14,000 for a site at Dataran Senawang, please show me the proof and identify the organiser, as all organisers have been reminded to comply with the rates set by MBS.

“However, today (during the meeting between organisers, traders, and MBS), the complainant who alleged the rates were excessive did not show up. If the claim is true, they should come forward with evidence so we can investigate,” he told reporters after the meeting here today.

He warned that stern action would be taken against any organiser who fails to comply with the set conditions, including the cancellation and revocation of their permit to operate the bazaar.

Previously, a Facebook post went viral alleging that the rental rates for the Aidilfitri bazaar at Dataran Senawang were overpriced and burdensome to traders.

Meanwhile, Masri said the council would not compromise with any individual, including MBS personnel, found to be involved in abuse of power related to the allocation of bazaar sites.

He added that, so far, there is no evidence linking any MBS officer to such claims, expressing confidence that council staff are carrying out their duties with integrity.

“But if there are 'insiders' acting as brokers, let me know. I will sack those officers immediately if there is solid proof. We must speak based on facts and evidence, not mere rumours,” he said.

He added that all rental rates for Ramadan and Aidilfitri bazaar sites are transparently displayed on the official MBS website for public reference to avoid confusion.

Meanwhile, one of the organisers at Dataran Senawang, Mohd Fadzliatul Fadilah B Ab Rahim, 30, said his team had no issues selling all 92 bazaar lots.

He said all lots were fully booked at the set prices of between RM1,500 and RM3,500, depending on the size.

“So far, everything is running smoothly. We regret that this issue was raised when all transactions must follow the approved rates; organisers cannot charge more than the rates set by MBS,” said Mohd Fadzliatul, who is in his second year of managing the Dataran Senawang bazaar.

-- BERNAMA