Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged authorities and stakeholders involved in Ramadan bazaar registrations to stop relying on middlemen and commission-taking agents, saying such practices burden traders and undermine fairness. Instead, he said, cooperation is needed to strengthen transparent systems that directly benefit traders.
He pointed to Petaling Jaya’s management model as a best-practice example, noting that its online bazaar registration platform promotes transparency and limits opportunities for agents to exploit applicants.
“This is a real problem. Ramadan bazaars provide an important avenue for the public, especially those at the lower-income level, to venture into business and supplement their earnings,” Anwar told reporters after attending Friday prayers in Petaling Jaya.
He said those responsible for the registration process must ensure efficiency and help reduce loopholes that enable individuals to profit through commissions.
While acknowledging that steps have been taken at the policy level to combat such issues, Anwar admitted that on-ground implementation still faces challenges and requires improvement.
Reflecting on earlier reviews, he said Petaling Jaya’s experience shows that a structured, digital registration system can widen participation, improve organisation and maintain better facilities.
He added that with adequate support from state governments and local councils, he would engage Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming to further enhance Ramadan bazaar facilities nationwide. Among the priorities are ensuring reliable water supply, clean surroundings and better management systems.
The prime minister also highlighted ongoing enforcement efforts under waste management laws. Individuals who carelessly dispose of rubbish, including traders, risk legal action and fines under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007.
Just yesterday, SWCorp issued 42 offence notices to individuals found littering in public spaces.
Anwar’s remarks underline the government’s commitment to strengthening good governance at the community level, ensuring that Ramadan bazaars remain beneficial economic platforms while being run efficiently, fairly and responsibly.