Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (Medac) Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (centre) visits the damaged Pasar Datuk Keramat site in Kuala Lumpur. -NSTP/ AZIAH AZMEE

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (Medac) has handed over a total of RM82,500 to traders affected by the fire incident at Pasar Datuk Keramat last week.

Its minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the aid would assist the 55 traders to recover from the losses they suffered.

"We hope the contribution will ease their burden as they have been struggling to make ends meet during the Covid-19 pandemic and unfortunately the incident happened weeks before the Ramadhan month.

"Medac's agencies such as SME Corp Malaysia, Tekun, Bank Rakyat and SME Bank will look at how to assist them to restart their businesses.

"They may also come to the agencies to seek for help if needed," he said.

He handed over the mock cheque to the Federal Territory Malay Hawkers and Petty Traders Association president Datuk Mohamad Abdullah and also visited the site which was being demolished today.
"I was told Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will set up a temporary site for the traders to operate during the month of Ramadhan.

"I hope this brings relief for them," he added.

One of the oldest market in the city, Pasar Datuk Keramat has been operating for over 45 years.

Over 50 stalls were destroyed in a fire on March 17 at about 5.30pm.

Fortunately, no lives were lost.