GEORGE TOWN: The bustling days of Bazaar, part of Chowrasta Market, have long gone following the departure of hundreds of townhouse residents with the repeal of the Rent Control Act 1966 in 1999.
The market, which used to be common fairground for traders and shoppers, now supplies food items to nearby restaurateurs.
Trader Mohamed Junaidhu Shahul Hameed said they only supplied meat and vegetables to the restaurants.
"Without their business, we would have closed down a long time ago. On a good day, we can sell between 300 and 400 chickens."
He said it was the same for the other traders who relied on the restaurateurs to remain afloat.
Things may be looking up for them with the Penang Island Municipal Council's (MPPP) bid to upgrade the market.
Mohamed Junaidhu said several meetings were held between the Chowrasta Bazaar Traders' Association and the state government.
The 43-year-old, who inherited the business from his uncle and started working at the market when he was 13, said most businesses here were handed down among family members.
This was the first time the place will undergo a facelift following its re-construction in 1961. Since then, a supermarket and a cinema were added but were closed down in the 1990s due to poor business.
Mohamed Junaidhu, who used to live in nearby Tamil Street, said the facelift meant a lease of new life for the market. Bookshop owner Nasir Khan, 51, said his business was booming when the outlet was in Jalan Macalister in the 1980s.
"In 1991, they asked us to move to this market and business slowed down badly. Who wants to come up here or walk to the back of the market?" said Nasir, whose shop is located on the first floor.
He said the area allocated for them was too small and suitable for selling clothes and shoes.
The repeal of the Rent Control Act, which came into effect in 2000, resulted in hundreds of residents moving to more affordable suburban homes.
Beef seller Ahamad Sa Ahamad said traders were further hit by competition from those who opened their stalls outside the market, creating traffic problems.
Chowrasta, however, is still a popular venue for pickled fruits, local biscuits and medicated ointment.
Trader Ong Ah Boon, 65, said her pickled fruit and biscuit business was good, especially as her outlet is located in front of the market.
"My father began this business 60 years ago and he used to sell fruits. I took over 12 years ago and when I am gone, my children will take over the shop."
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