Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim advises local authorities to adopt online registration for Ramadan bazaar permits to curb corruption and extra fees.
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has advised local authorities to stop using agents or middlemen for Ramadan bazaar business permit registrations.
He urged them to follow the example of the Petaling Jaya City Council, which uses an online registration system.
Anwar said this method increases transparency and reduces the cost burden on traders.
He stated that online registration is more orderly and can curb parties who charge extra fees for personal gain.
“The Ramadan bazaar is an opportunity for the people, especially at the grassroots level, to run businesses to earn an extra income,” he said.
“Local authorities should cooperate so that the process is more orderly and avoid people who charge commissions.”
Anwar added that the fight against corruption must extend beyond the top levels of government.
“We are fighting (corruption) at the top level, but below it is still raging,” he told reporters.
He made these remarks after performing Friday prayers at Jumhuriah Mosque in Taman Dato Harun.
Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari was also present at the event.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also instructed local authorities to provide clean and proper facilities throughout the month of Ramadan.
Anwar said that if the local authorities and the state government could provide good cooperation, he would discuss with Housing and Local Government Minister (KPKT) Nga Kor Ming to improve basic facilities including water supply and cleanliness, especially in the Ramadan bazaar area.
At the same time, he reminded the public to always maintain cleanliness following the implementation of the Community Service Order (PKM) under the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007 (Act 672) for the offence of littering, which came into force yesterday.
“So if you commit the offence of littering, action will be taken including prosecution and fines,” he said.
Muslims in Malaysia will be celebrating Ramadan 1, which marks the beginning of the fasting month on Feb 19.
