Embattled MCA president Ong Tee Keat, back from a week-long medical leave, showed no sign of any ill-health as he did a walkabout at the Selayang market today.

He spent more than an hour talking to traders and assuring them that he will bring up their issues to the relevant authorities.

NONE The traders at the wholesale market complained that competition from hypermarkets and unlicensed foreign immigrant traders have seriously affected their business.

They told Ong that the illegal immigrants trading there also caused traffic congestion and cleanliness problems, resulting in fewer people shopping at the market.

"I will channel their complaints to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall and maybe the cabinet for their feedback to improve the situation because it affects their (traders) livelihood," Ong, who is transport minister, told reporters.

He said that from his own observation, the comfort provided to shoppers by the hypermarkets was the main factor affecting business at the wholesale market.

The illegal immigrants trading around the wholesale market also posed a problem in terms of traffic jams and cleanliness, he said.

A vegetable seller who wanted to be known only as Tan, 45, said the promotions by the hypermarkets lured shoppers away from the wholesale market.

"The prices offered by the hypermarkets are comparable to ours and on top of that they offer more comfortable surroundings," he said.

Sending a message

He also said that the illegal immigrants trading in the vicinity without licences posed a serious problem as they dirtied the place by throwing rubbish indiscriminately and this deterred the public from patronising the market.

NONE Another trader, a butcher who wanted to be known only as Ravi, 65, said conditions at the market were not conducive to shoppers.

He said cleanliness and comfort should be upgraded to lure more people to the market and he hoped that Ong could help them resolve this problem.

Ong's visit is part of the "Talk to Tee Keat" programme to communicate with the people.

The visit to the market this morning was also seen by many as an attempt by the beleaguered MCA chief to show that he has the support of the grassroots, and a chance to show that he was back in good health after suffering stomach ailment last week.

During his medical leave, Ong had skipped various government and party functions, including the cabinet meeting on Friday and MCA's central committee meeting on Wednesday.