New Stakeholders

We have a discussion over the issue of legalising hawkers without license at the SS2 Morning Market last week. At the moment, more than 20 hawkers are traded at the edge of the designated morning wet market at SS2/62 Road. These hawkers sell non perishable goods such as gourmet, cooked food, plants and flowers are enjoying better business as claimed by the existing hawkers because of their whereabouts at the entrance to the market area. This has created unhappiness amongst the existing hawkers. They want these people to be relocated. On the other hand, those without license for many years want to legalise their businesses at the same place.

We discussed various options considering the traffic situation, hygiene, cleanliness, fairness, equity and opportunities. One of the interesting debate is on market opportunities. While people prefer attaching themselves to the existing establishment for existing market penetration, it deprives the right of people within the existing establishment to enjoy the fruits of their hard work and persistent. They have under protest to share the customers. Another school of thought is by having more stalls and thus choice will enhance the attractiveness of a market and in flow of potential customers. The argument is both are complimenting each other.

While both arguments are valid and worth considering, the aspiration and desire of stakeholders especially the residents and consumers have to be taken into consideration. The residents are the one the Council have to endear with. The residents, as the tax payers and dwellers have the right to enjoy a free from pollution and disturbance living environment, of course to have a say on the money spent. It is ethically not right to fulfill the need of hawkers but neglecting the right of residents.

We realise residents or consumers' views have not sought about frequently on issues related to other sectors especially the SMEs. Perhaps efforts to bring residents on board should be intensified so that a balance tri-partie views can be solicited. Perhaps starting with drafting of guidelines on hygiene, cleanliness, beautification, social responsiveness, sustainability and fair trade for the businesses is a right move.