Larkin Terminal traders get help
Rizalman Hammim
THE Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has taken steps to "adopt" the traders at the Larkin public transport terminal as part of an effort to help them improve their business and overcome any problems faced.
INSIDE VIEW: Traders at Larkin Terminal complain of high charges imposed by the management company.
Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said the move by the ministry was the first, entailing the formation of a committee comprising traders and ministry officials.
"Previously, whenever the ministry was mentioned, people would immediately associate us with enforcement or price control.
"We also have a duty to help improve businesses, especially for the small traders."
He said this after a dialogue with the Larkin Terminal Traders' Association recently.
The traders had voiced their dissatisfaction over several issues during the dialogue, especially on the high rent and parking charges imposed by the management of the terminal, Damansara Assets Sdn Bhd.
Among other grouses heard included the unsatisfactory business environment at the terminal.
Shahrir asked for the setting up of a committee, made up of representatives from the ministry's Johor branch, the traders and the management company, to discuss the problems and recommend solutions.
"The committee will have two weeks to meet and come up with suggestions, after which they will present them to me for further action," said Shahrir.
"If other government agencies are needed in the meetings, then we will invite them too."
Shahrir said he chose to introduce the initiative to help traders in Johor Baru because he was also the member of parliament for the area.
"This will be a test and if it is successful, we will introduce it to other areas as well."
Rizalman Hammim
THE Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has taken steps to "adopt" the traders at the Larkin public transport terminal as part of an effort to help them improve their business and overcome any problems faced.
INSIDE VIEW: Traders at Larkin Terminal complain of high charges imposed by the management company.
Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said the move by the ministry was the first, entailing the formation of a committee comprising traders and ministry officials.
"Previously, whenever the ministry was mentioned, people would immediately associate us with enforcement or price control.
"We also have a duty to help improve businesses, especially for the small traders."
He said this after a dialogue with the Larkin Terminal Traders' Association recently.
The traders had voiced their dissatisfaction over several issues during the dialogue, especially on the high rent and parking charges imposed by the management of the terminal, Damansara Assets Sdn Bhd.
Among other grouses heard included the unsatisfactory business environment at the terminal.
Shahrir asked for the setting up of a committee, made up of representatives from the ministry's Johor branch, the traders and the management company, to discuss the problems and recommend solutions.
"The committee will have two weeks to meet and come up with suggestions, after which they will present them to me for further action," said Shahrir.
"If other government agencies are needed in the meetings, then we will invite them too."
Shahrir said he chose to introduce the initiative to help traders in Johor Baru because he was also the member of parliament for the area.
"This will be a test and if it is successful, we will introduce it to other areas as well."