Traders selling flowers along the roadside ahead of the Qing Ming festival were chased away by the authority because they were trading at the bus stop.

Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Michael Tiang clarified this yesterday, following a news report on the traders being chased off by the police and the enforcement team.

Tiang said that the relevant authorities reacted upon receiving complaints from members of the public and that the authorities do not want public facilities such as bus stops to be obstructed as they are not trading sites.

“These traders are seasonal traders, and Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) would not issue temporary permit to them, and they are not required to apply for it.

“SMC will not stop them from selling flowers at the roadside on a temporary basis at a certain period of time.

“This decision is made after a discussion I had with SMC chairman Clarence Ting. This is a clear stand that must be made known to the public,” he stressed.

Tiang also reminded the temporary roadside traders to ensure safety, to keep clean and to avoid occupying public facilities at all costs.