Kota Kinabalu: Local traders in Inanam and Manggatal are calling for greater priority in the allocation of trading spaces at the tamu markets in the two areas, according to Inanam Community Development Leader Unit (UPPM) Chief Nickho Unui.
He said concerns were raised during discussions with the Manggatal Weekly Tamu, Night Market and Local Traders Association and Sepanggar Entrepreneurs Association, with traders claiming they were being sidelined by an increasing number of traders from outside the two areas.
He said feedback from the associations indicated that more than 60 per cent of traders at the Inanam and Manggatal tamu markets were from outside the localities, prompting calls for a review of trader allocation.
Nickho said the Inanam UPPM would conduct a registration.
“The association currently has about 180 registered members, although a comprehensive database of all traders has yet to be completed,” he said, adding that UPPM Inanam would conduct a registration and data collection exercise to determine the actual number of traders from within and outside the localities before bringing the matter to the attention of Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK).
“We want to obtain accurate data so that we can discuss the issue with DBKK and find a practical solution.
“Our aspiration is that at least 70 per cent of traders operating at the both tamu areas are local residents,” he said.
According to Nickho, complaints regarding the issue have been raised for several years but no concrete solution has been implemented.
He added that UPPM Inanam would arrange a meeting with DBKK, particularly the department responsible for tamu management, to discuss possible improvements to trader allocation policies.
Apart from trader allocation, he said there are plans to organise a community programme involving several government agencies, including the National Registration Department (NRD), the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) and welfare-related agencies.
“The objective is to bring government services closer to the people by setting up service counters during community events so that residents can access assistance more easily,” he said.
Nickho also proposed fixing the operating days of the Inanam and Manggatal tamu to make it easier for residents and visitors to follow.
Among the suggestions, he said, are holding the Inanam tamu every Saturday and the Manggatal tamu every Tuesday.
“Having a fixed schedule would not only help local residents and the traders but also support tourism efforts by allowing travel agencies to include tamu visits in their itineraries,” he said.
