KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – August 20, 2025 – Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani engaged in a two-way dialogue with traders at Pasar Datuk Keramat on Wednesday, addressing their grievances and anxieties regarding Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) proposed redevelopment of the nearly 50-year-old market.
The session, held under a tent at the market site, allowed Johari, who also serves as the Titiwangsa Member of Parliament and UMNO Vice-President, to hear directly from vendors facing infrastructure woes, including short circuits and fires that pose safety risks to both traders and visitors. In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), Johari emphasized the need for accurate data on the number of traders as a first step in the planning process.
“As the people’s representative in this area, I am committed to championing the interests of the traders by acting as a bridge between them and DBKL,” Johari stated in his post accompanying the video. He highlighted the market’s age—approaching half a century—and the urgent need to resolve its problems without hasty decisions.
During the dialogue, captured in the nearly four-minute clip, Johari discussed the implications of redevelopment, noting that the land belongs to DBKL and urging a thorough approach. Subtitles from the video show him saying, “Kita depan kena fikir betul masa” (We need to think carefully about the timing ahead), and stressing that DBKL is now operating with a “full team” to handle the project efficiently over five days starting Monday. He warned against “pembangunan cap ayam” (chicken-branded development, implying substandard or rushed work) and called for understanding to ensure benefits for all.
Johari assured the audience that he would discuss their requests further, aiming for a redevelopment that prioritizes the traders’ livelihoods. “Supaya tuan tuan dan… masing masing kena” (So that gentlemen and… each one needs to), he added, underscoring collective responsibility.
The event drew a crowd of local vendors and residents, with Johari interacting personally afterward, shaking hands and posing for photos. Online, the X post has received 21 likes and sparked comments, including praise from users calling the minister “terbaik” (the best) and even speculating on his potential as Malaysia’s next prime minister. One reply raised concerns about Malay traders subletting stalls to Indonesians, suggesting it as a underlying issue.
This dialogue comes amid broader efforts to modernize Kuala Lumpur’s aging markets, with DBKL’s plans aiming to enhance safety and facilities while balancing community needs. Johari’s office has not announced immediate next steps, but the minister reiterated his role as an advocate in ongoing negotiations. DBKL has yet to respond publicly to the session.