WITH the Deepavali festivities approaching, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has announced that applications for temporary seasonal trade permits will open tomorrow (Sept 5).
The application period, which runs until Oct 19, requires all submissions to be made through MBPP’s online licensing portal at ulesen.mbpp.gov.my.
MBPP councillor Tan Soo Siang shared that traders are urged to follow all guidelines and deadlines strictly to avoid any enforcement issues.
Applicants are required to upload several documents to ensure smooth processing.
“These include a letter of approval from the Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI), Penang Branch, a clearly drawn layout plan showing the proposed stall or site, and if applicable, a request for a parking lot, which must be submitted with the main application,” Tan said during a press conference held at the MBPP’s Licensing Department’s temporary premise in Union Street.
She said MBPP has also outlined a series of health, safety, and environmental requirements that traders must comply with.
“All food handlers, including assistants, must have valid typhoid vaccinations and wear clean aprons and head coverings at all times. Traders must refrain from directly handling food with their bare hands and are responsible for ensuring that food waste is properly disposed of in covered bins of appropriate size,” she added.
It is learned that the temporary trade permits under this initiative are valid only for operations within the Little India area.
Tan stressed that only Malaysian citizens are eligible to apply and operate businesses under this permit, while foreign nationals are strictly prohibited.
“MBPP is also encouraging traders to support Penang’s green initiatives by embracing more sustainable practices. This includes offering cashless transactions, encouraging customers to bring their own containers and bags, and minimising the use of single-use plastic items,” she added.
She further reminded applicants to avoid common mistakes seen in previous years, such as late submissions, subletting approved lots to other traders without prior approval from MICCI or MBPP, and failing to promptly settle parking lot fees for designated sites.
Meanwhile, MICCI Penang branch member M. Kathiresen (Karthik) suggested stricter measures be introduced, including rejecting applications the following year from traders who fail to settle their parking lot fees on time.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Siew Chia En