SUNGAI BULOH — Traders at the Brickfields Deepavali Bazaar, who faced delays in starting operations, will have their deposits refunded soon, said Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.

He said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has replaced the earlier tents in Brickfields’ Little India area with sturdier, more spacious and more comfortable ones to ensure the safety and convenience of both traders and shoppers.

Ramanan also clarified the misconception that he or the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) were directly involved in organising the annual bazaar, explaining that it is a collaboration between DBKL and Bank Rakyat.

"Our office only stepped in after the issues surfaced; we were not aware of the arrangements earlier. Once we were informed, I raised the matter during our post-Cabinet meeting. 

"We are now working closely with DBKL to ensure everything runs smoothly. Those who previously commented that the tents would collapse should come and see for themselves that the new marquee tents are safe and secure,” he told reporters after officiating the flag-off of the Deepavali Vanakam Madani nationwide food basket distribution here today.

The bazaar’s tent setup recently drew criticism from traders, who claimed the structures were too small and of poor quality, while MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan also described them as flimsy and unsuitable for the area’s high-traffic main street. 

Several tents also reportedly collapsed following heavy rain.