About 30 disgruntled traders outside Pasar Chowrasta staged a protest against the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) for planning to relocate their stalls to another site.

They said the MBPP wants to shift their morning stalls on Jalan Kuala Kangsar to nearby lots.

Spokesperson for the group Lai Kong Hooi slammed the MBPP for the “unbecoming move”.

“It’s not right to shift our stalls to another site when we have been here for decades,” said Lai.

“MBPP should just let us carry on our business as usual on Jalan Kuala Kangsar,” he added.

Lai urged the MBPP to allow only one row of stalls to operate instead so that the public do not have to walk through a cramped space when visiting the market.

“We will not budge from our stand,” Lai, who sells raw seafood, insisted.

There are a total of 70 stalls in Jalan Kuala Kangsar while there are 17 shops along the new site.

Another trader, Bakar Nordin, lamented that the local council failed to understand their concerns but insisted that they move to a new site.

“They are insensitive to our concerns, this makes us sad,” said Bakar.

Building owner Gopal Krishnan described the relocation plan as “not a good one”.

“The local authority should propose plans to improve the market, beautify the area and make it a better environment,” he said.

“Such a move will curb the drug problems and fear among women walking along the street late at night,” he added.

State Amanah chairperson Mujahid Yusof Rawa said he would take up the matter with the relevant agencies.

He told the traders he understood their plight and will try to resolve their issues.

“Let’s look forward to a win-win situation and an amicable solution to the matter,” he said.