TRADERS at the Kuala Lumpur wholesale market in Selayang are seeing a 40% drop in sales, no thanks to illegal small-time foreign sellers who operate just outside the main market.

These migrant traders are banned from entering and trading at or near the wholesale market but they are ever present, operating within earshot of other local wholesale business owners.

Kuala Lumpur Vegetable Wholesalers’ Association vice-president Chong Tek Keong told The Malaysian Insight that foreigners man about 100 stalls right outside the main market, causing a major dent in the wholesalers’ business.

“We have seen a 40% drop in sales in the Selayang market due to illegal traders operating on the outskirts of the market.

“Prior to the movement-control order, there were foreigners operating stalls in the market but now there aren’t any after the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) barred them from operating inside.

“However, these foreigners have started opening their stalls outside the market, which has affected business inside the market badly,” said Chong.

He added that these foreigners have connections with suppliers from Cameron Highlands and even Thailand.

He also said the meeting the association had with DBKL last week showed there were at least 100 stalls outside the market selling vegetables.

“It feels like there are two markets in this area – one is in the compound and the other is outside the compound.”

Apart from their business being hijacked by these migrant traders, Chong also said they were seeing fewer customers because of the cumbersome standard operating procedure (SOP) implemented in the market due to the Covid-19 epidemic.

“Those wanting to come into the market must undergo regular screening. Only a certain number of people can enter and the market is also only allowed to operate for a certain period of time.

“Those selling outside need not adhere to this SOP. Those foreigners outside get to operate their business the entire day without having to follow SOP, unlike us inside the market.

“Authorities also drop by the market often to check on the quality of the goods and the prices but none of this is done for those outside. There are just too many obstacles faced by those inside the market,” he said.

Chong said the best solution to curb this problem is to make sure DBKL is always present outside the market and stop those foreigners from operating.

Easier to buy from foreign traders

A check by The Malaysian Insight saw that hundreds of foreigners scattered around the outskirts of the wholesale market selling vegetables, fruits and fresh fish.

The area outside the market was a hive of activity with forklifts moving produce, delivery trucks lining the street, with both locals and foreigners making enquiries and bargaining on prices and products.

Trucks were seen going in and out throughout the morning, most of them dropping off their load while other empty trucks were seen being loaded up in an empty plot of land five minutes away from the market.

A survey by The Malaysian Insight saw that locals have no qualms buying their supplies from the foreign traders.

A customer who only wished to be known as Sam said it was easier buying from the foreigner outside than buying inside the market.

“All I have to do is give the list of items I want while I wait in my car and a couple minutes later the foreigners will come with the goods in a trolley and place it in my car.

“Whereas if I go inside the market, I have to pay for parking. On top of that I would have to search each stall for whatever items I want. I can shop for everything I want in under 20 minutes outside the market,” he said.

Last year, former federal territories minister Annuar Musa said foreigners were not allowed to work at the wholesale market after a spike in Covid-19 cases.

He also encouraged locals to work in the market, guaranteeing them a minimum salary of RM2,400 per month.

The market has also been hit by Covid-19 infections a number of times, leading to its temporary closure on several occasions. – December 18, 2021.