GEORGE TOWN, July 21 -- Only local traders are allowed to organise Indian trade fairs in Penang with stalls selling clothes, accessories and various items in the months leading up to Deepavali, said Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow.

He said this is a state policy implemented more than five years ago after an appeal from the Penang Indian Chamber of Commerce (PICC) for priority to be given to Penang-based Indian traders, especially during the peak period of Deepavali season.

"It has been a state policy that traders from outside Penang will not be given permits to hold Indian fairs, festivals or carnivals during peak period as this would negatively impact the local Indian traders," he said in a press conference in his office here,

He ...