APPLICATIONS for temporary seasonal permits for Chinese New Year and Ramadan bazaars this year will open from Jan 13, says Penang Island City Council (MBPP) Public Health and Licensing Committee chairman Tan Soo Siang.
She said all applications must be submitted online via ulesen.mbpp.gov.my.
Tan said applications for CNY permits will be accepted until Feb 13, with the approved operating period running from Jan 19 to March 3.
“The permit fee is RM1 per day for every 40sq ft, while the waste collection fee is RM6 per stall of the same size.
“A canopy fee of RM100 applies for a 20ft by 20ft canopy, subject to the approved stall size,” she told reporters after a council meeting today.
Tan said traders intending to sell fireworks during CNY must submit a police approval letter or an acknowledgement of application from the police before MBPP can grant approval.
She said all food handlers and assistants must have valid anti-typhoid vaccinations, avoid direct contact with food and maintain proper personal hygiene.
Tan added that stall sizes must strictly follow the dimensions approved by the council, adding that tables and chairs for customer use require approval and must be placed within the approved stall area to prevent obstruction of public spaces.
Traffic control measures must be implemented to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow around stall locations.
“A total of 151 Chinese New Year permit applications were approved last year,” she said, adding that enforcement action will be taken against stalls operating without MBPP approval.
On Ramadan bazaars, Tan said applications will be open from Jan 13 to Jan 27 as approvals require consideration by a committee. The approved operating period is from Feb 19 to March 20.
She said food handlers at Ramadan bazaars are also required to have valid anti-typhoid vaccinations and comply with food safety standards, including avoiding direct contact with food and maintaining proper food temperatures.
“All traders involved in frying or cooking with oil must provide protective floor lining to prevent oil spillage,” she added.
Tan said sugarcane waste must be disposed of in suitably sized containers, while covered rubbish bins must be provided at stalls.
Traders intending to sell fireworks at Ramadan bazaars must obtain prior police approval, and enforcement action will be taken against any stall found operating without approval.
Tan reiterated that foreign nationals are not allowed to apply for or manage businesses operating under the temporary permits for both CNY and Ramadan bazaars.
She also said the use of polystyrene containers is prohibited, while plastic drinking straws remain banned.
MBPP, she added, encourages cashless transactions, Bring Your Own Container, Bring Your Own Bag, and the reduced use of single-use plastics.
“All traders are required to clearly display their approved licences at their stalls for inspection and enforcement purposes,” she said.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud