KUALA LUMPUR – Former MIC Youth chief Datuk Sivarraajh Chandran has warned that visitor numbers at this year’s Deepavali Bazaar in Brickfields could decline due to what he described as poor planning by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the Federal Territories Ministry.
His remarks come amid growing controversy over the organisation of the annual bazaar, which traders say has been marred by delays, congestion, and a lack of proper facilities.
Vendors have voiced frustration over the late installation of tents and inadequate infrastructure, claiming it has disrupted their businesses and reduced foot traffic.
There have also been reports of tents being set up in the middle of the two-lane main road in Brickfields, causing severe traffic congestion and restricting access to the area.
Some of these temporary structures reportedly collapsed during recent bouts of heavy rain and strong winds, raising safety concerns among traders and visitors.
The situation escalated after Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, announced that 118 new tents had been installed at the site. But traders argue the move was poorly executed and made without proper consultation.
Speaking to Scoop, Sivarraajh, who is also a senator in the Dewan Negara, criticised DBKL and the ministry for failing to anticipate predictable issues such as weather conditions, parking, and traffic congestion — all of which, he said, have worsened the experience for both traders and visitors.
“They’ve been organising this bazaar for many years, so proper planning should already be in place — from the type of tents used to how they’re set up,” he said.
“Because of their weakness and delays, traders are suffering. They’re paying to be there, and yet their businesses are being affected. There’s already been about a six-day delay, and that’s creating traffic jams and discouraging people from coming.”
He also questioned the decision to relocate tents to the middle of the road this year, a move he said has compounded congestion problems and made the area less appealing to shoppers.
“It’s a very basic thing. You know October brings heavy rain and strong winds, so preparations should be made accordingly,” he added. “At the very least, give traders enough time to adjust. Above all, show them the respect they deserve.”
Meanwhile, MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan said he was encouraged by recent improvements shown by DBKL and the ministry following earlier criticism.
“I’m happy with the progress we’re starting to see from DBKL and the ministry after the concerns raised,” Saravanan told Scoop.
“I believe things will improve for both traders and visitors, and let’s hope for a smooth and successful Deepavali bazaar this year.”
Saravanan had previously criticised the size and quality of the tents, warning that they could collapse in adverse weather and were too small for traders selling sarees and festive attire. He also highlighted how their placement along the main road worsened traffic congestion and deterred visitors.
During a site visit with members of the Brickfields traders’ association, Saravanan urged Zaliha and the Kuala Lumpur mayor to personally inspect the situation rather than rely solely on briefings from officers.
He also revealed that traders had not requested the “Jajahan Rakyat” and “Malaysia Madani” tents, as many were capable of setting up their own, and questioned the RM2,500 deposit requirement, noting that small traders typically invest only RM2,000 to RM3,000 to start their businesses.
In a brief statement to Scoop, DBKL said it is still in discussions and finalising several matters concerning traders and operations at the bazaar.
This year’s Deepavali Bazaar features 140 stalls at Jalan Bunus, Masjid India, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, and Jalan Rakyat, and will run until October 19. — October 5, 2025