JOHOR BARU: In preparation for the upcoming Deepavali festival on Oct 31, the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) has approved eight bazaars' sites throughout the capital city.
Mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said approvals were granted during a recent licensing committee meeting, which will see 196 stalls set up at five locations in central Johor Baru, two in Ulu Tiram, and one in Taman Tampoi Indah.
He added that the licenses or permits were granted to the organisers.
"Although the city council is not the organisers of the bazaar, traders must strictly adhere to MPJB's set guidelines and regulations," he told the New Straits Times, when contacted today.
"While the Deepavali bazaars add to the vibrancy of the festival and celebrations, we want to remind all organisers to ensure cleanliness is maintained at the sites, that no tents are erected beyond the approved limits, and that pathways or roads are not obstructed," he said.
He also urged traders to conduct their businesses only in the designated areas.
To ensure safety and compliance, traders selling fireworks must first obtain a permit from the police before applying to MBJB's licensing department.
Food and beverage vendors must get their typhoid vaccinations before beginning operations.
He said MPJB enforcement officers will be monitoring the bazaars' sites throughout the festival period.
"MBJB reserves the right to revoke permits if the licensing conditions, such as cleanliness standards, are violated.
"The cleanliness of the bazaar sites is paramount, and we will not hesitate to cancel their license if it fails to meet our standards," he said.
He also said that there will be a temporary relocation of the existing Johor Baru flea market on Jalan Segget, which overlaps with one of the approved Deepavali bazaar sites.
The affected vendors will be moved to Legaran Segget, behind the Mara building, with immediate effect until Oct 31, to accommodate the festival bazaar.
Meanwhile, Johor Indian Business Association (JIBA) president P. Sivakumar said there are five associations, including JIBA, that are organising the Deepavali bazaars this year.
MBJB granted the organisers with permits while licenses were issued to the traders.
"JIBA had organised the bazaar for the last 28 years, and now its shared among several associations.
"We hope all associations will keep the tent rental affordable, as we want the traders to make profits.
"In the past, there were allegations that some organisers charged up to RM5,000 per tent, while JIBA charged RM2,700 for the whole festival period.
"Let's be fair to the traders, and not burden them with hefty rental fees," he said.
He also urged traders to comply with MPJB's set regulations and guidelines.
He encouraged visitors to park at the free Air Molek prison parking space and take the shuttle bus to the bazar at Jalan Ungku Puan, and Jalan Sengget to avoid congestion.