At the launching of the programme, Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said DBKL has set up a dedicated Night Market Task Force to develop a standard operating procedure (SOP) for traders to ensure they complied with these standards.
The task force will oversee four main aspects, including management, uniformity, cleanliness and compliance with licensing conditions.
Adnan said at present, the issues plaguing night markets in the city were complaints from the public, cleanliness, traffic congestion and the involvement of foreign traders.
He said the transformation programme was based on a successful pilot programme involving five night markets, namely at Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Taman Melati, Taman Sri Rampai, Ang Seng Road and KOAGTIF Taman Desa.
The Putrajaya MP stressed that night market licences were only for locals and warned traders against renting these out to foreigners.
“We will not hesitate to take action against those who do not adhere to the rules,” he said, adding this included revoking the licences of errant traders.
He also urged traders to only sell what they were supposed to and ensure their prices were reasonable.
He added that DBKL would do joint operations with the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism (KPDNKK) to monitor the prices at night markets.
As part of the transformation, DBKL will provide free canopies, tables and aprons in a bit to standardise and upgrade the image of night markets.
Adnan said a one-year target had been set to transform all 98 night markets in the city.