One Puff And Poof Saravanan Slams Flimsy Madani Deepavali Tents

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MIC deputy president M Saravanan has slammed the flimsy tents at the Little India Deepavali bazaar in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, warning they could collapse at the first sign of rain or wind.
He also criticised their placement on the main road, saying it would worsen the area’s notorious traffic congestion.
After visiting the site with members of the Brickfields traders’ association, Saravanan appealed to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa and Kuala Lumpur mayor Maimunah Sharif to intervene.
“Look at these tents, they are unsuitable. The traders are not selling foodstuffs but sarees and clothes for Deepavali… How are they going to place their goods in such small tents?
“Furthermore, Deepavali is during the rainy season. If the wind blows, all these will disappear,” he added, pointing to the row of tents.
Saravanan stressed that traders had not even asked for the tents, which bear the words “Jajahan Rakyat” and “Malaysia Madani” as they were capable of putting up their own.
MIC deputy president M Saravanan (right) inspecting tents at the Little India bazaar in BrickfieldsAs for the location, the former minister said the tents were inappropriately sited and would only add to traffic jams, discouraging visitors from coming to Brickfields.
“The minister and mayor should come to the location themselves to have a look, and not listen to their officers’ views.
“I have sufficient experience in Little India. I was the one who constructed it,” he said, referring to the transformation of Brickfields during his tenure as deputy federal territories minister.
Understand their plight
Saravanan also questioned the demand for a RM2,500 deposit for the tents.
“They are small-time traders. They only invest between RM2,000 and RM3,000 to start the business, and we are asking them for a deposit.
“In the past, we gave the lots to the association, which would fork out the deposit. So there is no pressure on the traders... Please check, the association paid the deposit in the past, and three years have passed without it being returned by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL),” he added.
Reiterating his appeal to Zaliha and Maimunah, the MIC deputy president said the authorities must understand the plight of traders.
“During festive seasons, the minister and government should get political dividends by helping the traders. But now, every day, people are complaining. The traders are making videos (to air their grievances),” he added. - Mkini

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