"If they are not controlled they will threaten small businesses and create unsound business competition," he said.
Under the investment law, the Trade Ministry must control the growth of mini-markets in the country, he said.
"If they are left uncontrolled they will threaten small businessmen the government must protect," he said.
Taufik who is also secretary general of the National Mandate Party (PAN) said mini-markets had now been found even in mountainous areas.
"The competition will not be sound if they are left uncontrolled. How can small shops and traditional market compete with mini-market owners who have large capital?" he asked.
In addition to the investment law, each region in the country had regional regulation on the development of mini-markets. The regulation among others stipulated the permissible distance between a mini-market and traditional market or shop, he said.
"Today not only the distance between a traditional market and a mini-market but also the distance between one mini-market and the other has been violated. So it is not surprised if mini-markets face one another," he said.(*)
S012/H-NG/S012
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
