Penang: The Penang government has implemented guidelines that restrict participation in Deepavali season sales carnivals exclusively to Indian traders from the state. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow disclosed that the initiative aims to protect the interests of local traders.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the policy was introduced five years ago in response to numerous complaints from local Indian business owners and the Penang Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PICCI). Concerns were raised about foreign traders, including those from abroad, offering products at lower prices during the festive season.

Chow emphasized that local traders operate year-round, incurring costs such as rent, taxes, and employee salaries, and often rely on festive seasons like Deepavali for better income. He stated that only local traders are permitted to apply for operating sales carnivals and similar events during peak seasons to safeguard their interests.

The Chief Minister's comments followed a report about the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) taking action against traders at an Indian community business carnival in Bukit Mertajam. A video of the incident gained traction on social media. Chow clarified that foreign traders are allowed to conduct business outside the Deepavali festive season.

Chow acknowledged attempts to circumvent the policy by using local individuals' names for permit applications while foreign traders run the operations. Such practices, he noted, pressure local traders.

The policy is specific to Indian community celebrations, and no complaints have been reported from other sectors, such as durian sellers or night markets.

MBSP stated that it does not restrict sales carnivals for cultural festivals in Seberang Perai but has guidelines regulating participation from outside Penang during peak periods. The measure aims to protect local traders, who have expressed concerns over competition from foreign traders.

MBSP's policy allows traders from outside Penang to operate from April 1 to June 30 annually. The policy is not racially discriminatory but seeks to support the welfare of local traders, particularly small-scale entrepreneurs in Penang's Indian community, to remain competitive in the current economic climate.