Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has stated that the recent polls to elect a new committee for the Taman Overseas Union (OUG) morning market in Jalan Kelang Lama, Kuala Lumpur, were carried out transparently. DBKL expressed disappointment and disapproval towards the demonstration that took place at the polling station on voting day. According to DBKL, succession planning is crucial for the market’s long-term success and the new committee plays a vital role in handling traders, the public, and local authorities.
DBKL’s Licensing and Business Development unit, in collaboration with Seputeh MP’s Office and the area’s Residents Representative Council (MPP), organized an election to select new office bearers responsible for managing the OUG morning market. The situation turned unruly when a group of traders protested with banners at the site. Over 50 traders gathered at the Market Place OUG building entrance on August 22, expressing dissatisfaction and accusing DBKL and Seputeh MP’s office of interference and sidelining old members.
DBKL stated that the decision to hold the election aimed to address longstanding issues concerning the decades-old market. Complaints regarding congestion, poor waste disposal, allegations of outsider trading, and sub-letting of licenses to third parties have been received from the public. The old committee had managed the market for more than 20 years, and the idea of electing a new committee was considered favorable.
According to DBKL, eligible traders were invited to stand for election, and only licensed traders operating in the market were eligible to vote. To ensure transparency and accountability, officers from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and DBKL’s integrity unit were invited to witness the session. The election involved positions of chairman, vice-chairman, treasurer, secretary, and three committee members.
Prior to the election, several meetings were held between DBKL and parties claiming to be the legitimate committee that managed the affairs of the morning market. These meetings involved the Seputeh MP and various departments in DBKL. Following the discussions, representatives of the traders agreed to elect new members to run the market. However, a few days before the voting was scheduled, some representatives from a different group withdrew from the race.
On polling day, traders aligned to a rival group held a demonstration outside the venue, but the police were called to disperse the crowd, as stated by DBKL.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
