KUALA LUMPUR – A total of 118 new tents began being installed last night at the Deepavali Bazaar in Brickfields, replacing those that collapsed on Wednesday due to heavy rain and strong winds.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, explained that there had been a misunderstanding over the provision of tents to traders, but this had now been resolved with the installation of larger, more robust tents.
“The number remains the same; there will be no additions. The collapsed tents were 8×8 feet, but we requested them to be replaced with 10×10 feet tents,” she said.
She made the comments after attending the Official Appointment Ceremony of the Federal Territory Residents’ Representative Council (MPPWP) for the 2025-2028 session earlier yesterday evening.
Responding to allegations that some traders were dissatisfied with the balloting system for bazaar lots, Dr Zaliha stated that the process had been carried out transparently.
“We implemented it as best as possible to maintain the allocation process similar to what we did for the Ramadan and Aidilfitri Bazaars, but there might be slight modifications to ensure that those who are interested or have the intention to trade are provided with comfort,” she explained.
Yesterday, traders at the bazaar criticised the tents, claiming they were too small, of poor quality, and needed to be replaced with larger ones.
The issue also drew attention from MIC Deputy President Datuk Seri M Saravanan, who described the tents as flimsy and unsuitable for placement on a main road known for heavy traffic congestion. – October 3, 2025