PUTRAJAYA, Sept 21, 2026 — Participation fees for Kuala Lumpur’s 2026 Deepavali Bazaar have been slashed by 85 per cent to a maximum of RM400, including the deposit, in a bid to ease costs for traders and align the event with Ramadan bazaar rates.
This year’s RM400 package covers a RM30 licence fee, RM150 service charge, RM150 site rental and a RM70 deposit. Traders paid RM2,626 in 2025, made up of a RM21 licence fee, RM105 service charge, RM500 site rental and a RM2,000 deposit.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the new rate matches that charged for Ramadan bazaars, while the trading period will be extended to 30 days from 21 previously.
“Our focus is simple — we want to reduce costs for traders and give them a longer period to do business. The number of lots has also increased this year, consistent with our approach of reducing the cost of doing business for traders in Kuala Lumpur,” she told a press conference.
“The benefits will reach both traders and city residents. Anyone interested should apply directly to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). I do not want middlemen charging thousands of ringgit when we have set the fee at only RM400.”
Also present was Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud.
The 2026 Deepavali Bazaar will run from Oct 9 to Nov 7 at two sites: the Tun Sambanthan Complex car park and Jalan Bunus 6, off Jalan Masjid India.
Under the Mega Deepavali concept, 172 trading lots will be available across both locations, together with bazaar trader licences and temporary entertainment and promotional licences. Another 30 temporary entertainment and promotional licences will be offered to premises along Jalan Tun Sambanthan, subject to applications from their owners.
Fadlun said this year’s bazaar would use a hybrid management model, with DBKL retaining licensing, regulation and enforcement while associations assist with operations.
The four participating associations are Pertubuhan Kebajikan Peniaga dan Penjaja Kecil Interaksi Kuala Lumpur & Selangor (PKPPKI), Persatuan Prihatin Peniaga Little India Brickfields, Persatuan Penjaja Medan Selera Pines Bazaar Brickfields and Malaysia Hindu Sangam Wilayah Persekutuan.
“We have advertised the bazaar and expect strong interest from the associations. The balloting process will take place on Sept 22 and 23,” Fadlun said.
On concerns about traffic congestion around Jalan Tun Sambanthan, he said DBKL had assessed the issue before choosing the site.
“We looked at this from the outset before identifying the bazaar site. We have considered alternative routes and will ensure strict traffic control throughout the bazaar period,” he said.
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