Calling the move “ridiculous and unreasonable”, Johor Baru Small Business Association president Tey Tian Hwang said the Taman Suria market tenants were shocked when they received the letter dated June 20 from the management.“A 700% hike is too drastic as some of the tenants are currently paying rent that range from RM40 to RM100, depending on the stall location.
A stall operator, only known as Tan, said he was worried about losing his lot at the market but at the same time, he was not prepared to pay for such a drastic hike in rent. The letter from the market’s management – a property developer – stated that the rent would increase to RM800 effective July 1. The issue was also brought to the attention of Deputy Local Government Development Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, who described the increase as burdensome to the tenants.