MELAKA, March 28 (Bernama) -- Hotel operators and restaurants should offer Ramadan buffets at reasonable prices in order to attract more customers, said Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali.

"Do not just look at prices but go for volume in business to make it a win-win situation. I believe hotel operators can maintain prices at previous levels," he told reporters after launching the Leypark Station and Mega Bazaar at Dataran Sejarah last night.

Also present was Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ) president Datuk Shadan Othman.

Sulaiman said the state government and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs in Melaka would work together to ensure traders comply with price control regulations.

"We understand that the current price hike is due to higher oil and palm oil prices. We will intensify our monitoring in accordance with federal instructions and will act accordingly,” he added.

He also said the Melaka Free Business programme introduced by the state government in 2020 would be continued this Ramadan.

He said traders could conduct their businesses in any suitable location, including in front of their homes, as long as it does not disrupt traffic or affect the safety of customers.

"Apply for a licence with local authorities (PBT), and Insya Allah, PBT will approve it. But they have to comply with hygiene requirements in the business area and the standard operating procedure (SOP).

"At the Leypark station night market, traders said they would continue their business as usual throughout Ramadan,” he said.

Touching on Leypark Station, which has been in operation since December, Sulaiman said improvements would be made in stages to turn the recreational area into an iconic tourist attraction.

Among others, efforts would be made to maximise the use of the stage at Dataran Sejarah to hold performances by talented young people.

He said after Hari Raya, the state government plans to hold activities such as drawing, busking and public speaking on the stage as an added value to the location, which is now gaining popularity.

So far, 90 traders are operating at Leypark Station, and 17 of them have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, Shadan said three Aidilfitri bazaars would be operating during Ramadan, namely at Leypark Station, Mydin Ayer Keroh and Kipmall Bachang.

"We are expecting more than 100 traders at Dataran Sejarah, making it the largest bazaar in the MPHTJ area,” he added.

-- BERNAMA