NIGHT market traders are urging authorities to take immediate action to address the illegal dumping issue left unchecked for the past five years at Jalan Cenderai 17 in Taman Megah Ria, Masai, Johor.

Johor Baru Malay Night Market Traders Association chairman Mohd Yusof Pet said the problem not only causes public discomfort, but also poses a health threat to traders and customers.

“We have to endure the stench when doing business and risk losing customers,” he told reporters yesterday.

“Some even cancelled their orders after seeing the goods are infested with flies.”

Mohd Yusof, 63, said despite complaints to authorities, the problem remains unresolved and continues to affect the source of income of traders.

“For example, the pile of rubbish was so high a few weeks ago, but the relevant party only collected half and left the rest.

“When rubbish-dumpers see that no action is taken, they continue to dump their rubbish here.”

Yusof, who represents 249 traders at the night market, said authorities should take stern action against the perpetrators, and install closed-circuit television cameras to identify them.

Trader Ahmad Zain, 50, said the rubbish pile in front of his stall disgusts visitors, who will not place their orders as there are too many flies.

“It affects our income when customers are uncomfortable. I have installed fly traps but there are still a lot of flies.”

Trader Oor Bee Shoo, 60, said the rubbish pile not only spoils the scenery, but also attracts pests and wild dogs.

An earlier check found that the distance between the illegal dumpsite and the night market is less than 5m and the rubbish pile is as high as the stalls. – Bernama, June 4, 2022.