13 traders from Klang Bus Stand to be relocated near LRT station

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EXISTING traders — 13 of them — at the Pasarama Kota in Kuala Lumpur (Klang Bus Station) heaved a sigh of relief after being told they will be relocated to a spot near the Pasar Seni LRT station.

Deputy Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk M. Saravanan said the traders, who have been doing business for years at the iconic bus station, would be given lots to carry on their businesses.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will allocate the lots for the traders. Most of these traders have been doing business there for over three decades — renting the premises under an anchor tenant.

Saravanan, who met the traders recently said the relocation would be done as soon as possible.

Light moment: Saravanan (left) and Chandrakumanan (second left) speaking to one of the traders operating near the Klang Bus Stand.

“Only 13 are active and they will be given the chance to carry on because it is their sole source of income. I have spoken to Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd about giving the space without imposing rent as the traders will have to get their own stalls.

“We will not be giving lots to inactive traders to ensure no one takes advantage of the situation.

“The MRT project has to take off smoothly but we have to ensure the wellbeing of the people,” he said, adding that DBKL would monitor any mushrooming of illegal traders at the spot.

Saravanan added that the traders would have to maintain cleanliness in the area as it was a popular spot among tourists.

Meanwhile, People’s Progressive Party Federal Territory chief Datuk A. Chandrakumanan said they were grateful that DBKL had “saved” the traders.

“The traders agreed to relocate and the ministry will write to the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) to allow the traders there until the building is completed,” he said.

For Puspa Krishnan, 35, who has been running the station’s public toilet, the news of relocation brought relief to her and her family.

“We have been running the toilet for years and it is our sole income. So now we well make do with something else like selling magazines, books and drinks.

“We are happy with this temporary solution because once the building is constructed, we can move in there,” she said.

Pasarama Kota was officially closed on Nov 1 and its services relocated to Pudu Sentral (formerly Puduraya). The closure is to make way for the construction of a new underground Pasar Seni MRT station.