Kota Kinabalu: City Hall (DBKK) has disputed Jesselton Artisan Market (JAM) organiser Aaron Lam’s version of increase in permit fees, saying there is none.
DBKK Operations Deputy Director Robert Lipon said JAM, usually held at Riverson Walk, saw a location upgrade to Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in a two-day event from Dec 3, 2022.
“Aaron applied for a permit for 10 stalls costing RM1,400 but we found 150 stalls to be operating during the event. That means he has made RM19,600 in profit through rent and therefore has to reimburse DBKK RM21,000. However, leniency was given after he made an appeal and he was only charged RM9,800 which he has paid for,” Robert said in a statement, adding DBKK was acting based on a public complaint.
“We are investigating the matter thoroughly and if we have conclusive evidence, legal action will be taken under Section 3 and 11 of the Public Entertainment Ordinance where a fine of not more than RM50,000 shall be imposed,” he added.
Robert, meanwhile, rubbished Aaron’s accusations that DBKK has begun hiking permit prices.
“Fees are based on the Public Entertainment Regulations 2009 of the same Ordinance. Indoor rates are at a flat RM70 per day, while outdoor installations are RM30. These laws are enforced by all local authorities in Sabah,” he said.
Aaron when contacted, however, said the “150 stalls” were just the 10 stalls he had applied for but split for 10 vendors per stall.
“We used to do this in Riverson without problems, but this time they (DBKK) ended up charging us the full amount.
“JAM is not only limited to visual arts but culinary expression as well. I feel that a lot of people will lose their livelihood without this platform.
“You cannot compare this to a tamu (farmers’ market). Art needs its own special place. We try to stir the local economy but are met with ridiculously high fees. Vendors are not conglomerates but independent artists,” he said.
Aaron who also owns Salt x Paper, a gift store in Gaya Street, said JAM was a monthly gathering for about 80 unique vendors.
“The annual licence for my store costs RM125 but a pop-up event is RM140 for two days, that’s illogical. I had to pay about RM11,000 within a week’s notice or they would have revoked my store’s licence as well,” he told Daily Express.
Aaron added that he wanted to highlight the city’s arts and culture so holding the JAM in another district although cheaper defeats the purpose.
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