THE SS2 and SS3 Petaling Jaya pasar malam will operate two nights a week instead of one in order to comply with health standard operating procedures because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This is to allow all traders and hawkers the opportunity to set up stalls, since the SOP requires social distancing of 1.5m between stalls.

The requirement reduces the number of traders but the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) came up with the proposed the two-day solution to the Subang and Petaling Jaya Night Market Hawker Association.

Association vice-chairman Wong Ying Fat told The Malaysian Insight this would see the SS2 night market operating every Monday, its usual day, and Tuesday.

MBPJ told the association that this arrangement would continue until the Covid-19 situation in the country stabilises.

The only snag, however, is that traders given a Tuesday slot feel that they won’t make as much as those operating on Mondays.

“Everyone knows the SS2 night market is held every Monday. Most people will remember that and come on Mondays only.

“Those operating on Tuesdays would not benefit much as those who operate on Mondays, although they are said to be given the opportunity to operate,” Wong told The Malaysian Insight.

Allotments were made in a draw at the MBPJ office during a briefing session two weeks ago.

Traders were categorised into groups according to their lot numbers, with the odd and even numbers grouped separately. The draw resulted in those with even numbers operating on Monday and those with odd numbers on Tuesday.

Wong is currently getting feedback from association members to a proposal for the two groups to operate on Mondays on alternate weeks, saying this was fairer.

“If we alternate the traders, then all traders would at least get to operate on two Mondays each month.

“That sounds fair compared to no Monday business at all for some. I’m not sure if this suggestion will be agreed by all though.”

There are 600 lots at the SS2 pasar malam site and more than 500 traders.

Wong said MBPJ should have made the draw using traders’ licence numbers, because one licensee could have more than one lot.

“By doing the draw on lot numbers instead, some might get to operate on both days. Those with only one lot will be disadvantaged, especially if they are stuck with Tuesdays,” he said, adding that the association will raise the matter with MBPJ.

Pasar malam resumed operations with social distancing on June 15 under the recovery movement-control order (RMCO).

SS3 Night Market Welfare Association secretary Jesmond Lee said the SS3 pasar malam faces a similar situation.

The SS3 pasar malam operates every Tuesday but Lee said MBPJ has now given them two days –Tuesday and Wednesday.

Lee said the SS3 night market has more than 300 stalls and talks will be held with traders over who gets to operate on which days.

It is especially complicated for traders who have more than one lot to incorporate social distancing.

“Some are selling vegetables, fish, and fruits. So, they might have two or three lots. It would be difficult for them to squeeze all their goods into one lot.”

Traders at the SS2 night market have welcomed the decision to split operations over two nights.

Ken Lee, 39, who runs a bakery stall at the SS2 night market, said he understands the need to accommodate social distancing.

“By operating over two days, it allows everyone to make an income.”

It is a better decision than just allowing a selected few stalls to operate, he said.

Another trader Aw Kum Chun, 41, concurs with Lee, saying that such decision would be safe for everyone.

“I’m sure consumers will come to know that the market operates over two days. This is the new norm and people need to accept it.”

The nod for pasar malam to reopen also depends on approval by state or local authorities, despite Putrajaya’s green light.

Councils in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Perak, Selangor and Negri Sembilan have so far allowed pasar malam under their jurisdiction to resume operations in stages. – June 24, 2020.