Defiant Fishers Set Up River Market
By Abdul Rahim Mohd Taib Shafiyi Azahari

Bandar Seri Begawan - Some fishermen displaced by the recent demolition of the famous Tambing market are now plying their trade at a restricted area along the Kianggeh river, instead of occupying stalls at Gadong wet market.

The fishermen are' blaming the Government for its alleged failure to make, sufficient preparations prior to the demolition, noting this has forced them to set up shops in a restricted area.

"There was no notice before the Tambing market was demolished," fisherman Suhana Bungsu, 72, told The Brunei Times. They complained that they have lost their loyal customers because of the Government's decision. The fishermen added Gadong wet market does not have enough vending benches to accommodate all of them and that the river waterways leading to it are too shallow.

"Actually, relevant authorities, including senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, conducted a meeting with Tambing traders in the middle of June at the Government Rest House to discuss the matter" prior to the demolition, said Nairul Anawar Abdul Lahai, acting chairman of the Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Board.

He said during the meeting, both parties agreed to the planned demolition, the consequences of which were anticipated in research studies conducted in April and May.

Suhana, however, insisted that fishermen did not find adequate space for them to sell their produce at Gadong wet market. "New stalls have already been added at Gadong wet market and provided for the traders from Tambing market," Nairul Anawar said.

"Based on the number of traders registered at Tambing, the additional benches are supposed to be enough for fishermen from Tambing market;

He said he assumed that the complaints had come from unregistered traders. With regards waterways to the market, Nairul Anawar said he would refer the complaint to the relevant authorities.

Some fishermen pointed out the shallow waterways in the Kedayan and Menglait rivers leading to Gadong wet market. "There are many barriers along the rivers that may cause damages on boat engines," Suhana said.

Moreover, many buyers are reluctant to go shopping at gadong market due to lack of public transport vehicles; Suhana said. Nairul Anwar acknowledged this concern.

"We will try to improve the transportation services around Gadong area and we will make sure buses will always arrive punctually every, 30 or 15 minutes," Nairul Anwar said.

Regarding fishermen's trading activities on the Kianggeh river, Nairul Anawar warned that it was a forbidden area for any kind of trading.

Many fishermen ' have continued selling their catch along the Kianggeh river despite a notice printed in red bold letters and prominently displayed - which says that no trading activities are allowed along the river.

"We are allowed to sell our fish here," claimed fisherman Mohammad Ibrahim of Kampung Bakut Siraja Muda. "The Municipal Board has never issued any permit for trading' activities along the river," Nairul Ariawar said.

He warned that action would be taken against those who breached the law.

"But for the time being, we are still considering the best solution for both parties to create a win-win situation before any action is taken," he added.

An authoritative source at the Municipal Department explained yesterday that his office had persuaded the fishermen on the Kianggeh river to obtain trading licenses and the Sultanate would provide more stalls for them at Gadong wet market.   -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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