CITY Hall (DBKL) should refund traders the Ramadan bazaar fees as they will need money to see them through the movement control order period, said Khalid Samad.

The former federal territories minister said all money collected from the traders, including deposits and rent, should be fully refunded.

“This is because these traders are in dire need of money while the country is under the MCO. 

“They are not allowed to operate while DBKL is holding their deposits,” he said today in a statement.

On Saturday, DBKL gave traders the option of a refund on their deposits or carrying forward their payments to secure trading lots next year. The traders have until April 30 to decide.

Thousands of traders have registered with the city authority to trade in 65 locations in the federal territories during the fasting month.

Khalid said DBKL was holding tens of thousands of ringgit in fees from Ramadan bazaar traders and organisers.

“The organisers say they have had to spend a lot of money on preparations this year. DBKL should return their deposits in full.”

Khalid said the traders could always apply again next year for their lots.

“It is not fair to hold the traders’ deposits and bookings for next year when they are in dire need of money.”

He said DBKL and the Federal Territories Ministry should do more to help out the traders in their plight.

“Some of their losses should be borne by DBKL and the ministry who had given them hope that there will be Ramadan bazaars this year.”

Last week, Federal Territories Minister Annuar  Musa announced there would be no Ramadan bazaars in any form in the Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan.

He had earlier proposed a plan for e-bazaars sites.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin had nixed the idea, citing the MCO, which is due to end on April 28, five days into the fasting month.

Malaysia yesterday reported double-digit growth in virus cases for the third day, with 84 new infections.

The tally of cases stands at 5,389. – April 20, 2020.