PETALING JAYA, Jan 2 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today urged local authorities not to use agents or middlemen for Ramadan bazaar business permit registrations.
He instead suggested local authorities follow the Petaling Jaya City Council’s (MPBJ) example and open online Ramadan bazaar registrations, which increases transparency and lowers traders’ cost burden.
According to Anwar, online registration could curb certain parties from taking advantage of traders by charging additional fees for personal gain.
“The Ramadan bazaar is an opportunity for the people, especially at the grassroots level, to run businesses to earn an extra income, so local authorities should cooperate so the process is more orderly, and avoid (using) people who charge commissions.
“We are fighting (corruption) at the top, but below, it still rages. I see from the paper that was presented to us about the Petaling Jaya experience; it needs to be used as an example… Online registration, and open as much as possible,” he told reporters after performing Friday prayers at Jumhuriah Mosque in Taman Dato Harun here with 2,000 congregants.
Also present was Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
Meanwhile, Anwar ordered local authorities to provide clean, appropriate facilities throughout Ramadan.
He said if local authorities and state governments can cooperate well, he would discuss improving basic facilities, including water supply and cleanliness at Ramadan bazaar sites, with Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
Anwar also reminded people to be mindful of public cleanliness, as the Community Service Order under the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007 (Act 672) came into force yesterday.
“If you commit the offence of littering, action will be taken, including prosecution and fines,” he said.
Muslims in Malaysia will ring in the fasting month of Ramadan on February 19.
