Visitors who passed through Bidor town will not miss the chance to stop at the stalls on the sidewalks known for the sale of local petais and fruits for decades that is located right beside the iconic Pun Chun Restaurant.
Now, the sleepy lane known as Petai Lane by the local community has changed its landscape after being upgraded with more comfortable sales kiosks thanks to the Tapah District Council initiative.
Previously the stalls were only layered with newspapers and dealers selling their products on the road, but now the sales of the products can be sold more attractively, thereby increasing sales proceeds.
Dealers, Hither Ali Sini Muhamad, 61, said he had sold fruits in the sidewalks over the last 40 years and have to go through unexpected conditions such as weather uncertainties and traffic congestion.
Hither Ali, hails from Kampung Cegar Tambahan nearby here, said all traders used to have canvas for shelter and had to squeeze along with the customers in case if it rains during business hours.
“It is uncomfortable and we need to have a tenacity because we need to make sure our products are not too exposed to the sun or rain.
“But with the presence of such kiosks, traders are more comfortable and need not worry about any weather conditions to find a living,” he said when met by reporters at the Pocket Park’s Opening Ceremony ‘Petai Lane at Bidor’.
The program was officiated by the Chairman of Health Committee, Consumer Affairs, National Integration and Human Resource YB A. Sivanesan.
Meanwhile, Sivanesan said Petai Lane was unique with its strategic location that connects nearby public and institutional facilities such as bus stations and markets.
He said the upgraded lane through the allocation worth RM350,000 allocated by the Economic Planning Unit was also one of the compulsory stops for tourist buses to provide travelers with the opportunity to know and buy fresh local fruits.
“Although the area is small, it is able to change the existing landscape and environment that is likely to attract visitors,” he said.
Sivanesan said there were eight traders who had been trading in the lane for over 20 years and are now operating in a kiosk provided at Petai Lane.
“The area will then be adopted by the dealers and they will be jointly liable to ensure the cleanliness, beauty and safety of the visitors are preserved.
“We also plan to increase the number of kiosks in the future, but we need to see the number of tourists coming in this area first,” he said.