A TOTAL of 15 roadside hawkers at Kimberley Street were joyful after their long wait for stall licences from the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) were obtained today.
Some of them, who have been operating there for 41 years since 1982, were on cloud nine after receiving their stall licences.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Wong Yuee Harng said the council noted the predicament facing the hawkers.
“Some were operating under the MBPP tagging licences since 2012. Hence, we sped up their licence application process.
“These licences given to them would allow them to operate their businesses conveniently.
“The monthly fee for the licence is RM45,” he said at a press conference at Penang City Hall, Esplanade today.
Wong said those who are keen to transfer their licences can choose to do so within a month.
“This is only transferable solely for immediate family members, not friends or other people,” he said.
Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, who was present, expressed his hopes that the hawkers would emphasise the cleanliness of the place.
“We hope that the place will be one of the popular tourist places,” he said.
Chow Kim Peng, who is the hawkers’ representative, thanked the state and council for their effort to assist them.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian