How the new Labuan mart tenants were picked

LABUAN: The selection of tenants for the new market here was based on the Labuan Corporation (LC) criteria and free from discrimination, said Member of Parliament Datuk Rozman Datuk Isli.He said this in response to Upko Labuan's claim that KDMs had been left out, with reference to a seamstress' failed bid after many years of applying for a lot in the market.

"The new market has 150 lots, an increase from 141, for dressmaking, clothes and general merchandise on the second level.

"We have an addition of nine lots but received more than a thousand applications," said Rozman, who is also LC Chairman.

The 141 original stall holders were given priority as they had already been operating for years at the old market.

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Of the nine additional tenants selected, two were given to KDM, after scrutiny of their eligibility, said Rozman, adding that if there were any vacant lots, another round of bidding would be announced in the newspapers.

On the unsuccessful candidates, Rozman said naturally they were not happy, but the issue of unfairness based on one's race should not be raised.

"In the spirit of 1Malaysia, no one community is left out in assistance to improve their socio economic wellbeing as well as to enhance their cultures. For instance, during Kaamatan, KDCA is given a token sponsorship to organise their Harvest Festival," he said.

Upko Acting President Datuk Dr Madius Tangau had advised its Labuan Division to discuss with the MP should there be any dissatisfaction.

He said problems were better solved through face to face discussion.

One profound effect of the new market at Utama Jaya is the easing of the traffic bottlenecks, especially at the roundabout near the Marine Department. This is because the hive of activities has shifted and freed up the parking at the end of the road after the Indian Mosque.

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The complex at Utama Jaya has more than 200 parking bays for cars, besides bus and taxi terminals.

On the complex's first level is the wet market, consisting of 379 lots for vegetables and fruits, fish, poultry and beef, while the general merchandise occupying the second level is air-conditioned and the top floor is the food court taken up by 13 vendors.

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