BAGAN DATUK (Dec 30): Traders at Bagan Datuk Jetty were not only overjoyed by the visit of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi but were also grateful that Malaysia's number two man has offered to help them.

A trader selling coconut-based beverages Mohd Nazir Ahmad, 41, said the deputy prime minister would be helping the traders to get food trucks to facilitate their business.

"This is good news for us operating our stalls here.

"I told Datuk Seri that our income had increased after the Bagan Datuk jetty was upgraded and he was pleased," said Mohd Nazir when met by Bernama after Ahmad Zahid’s visit here yesterday.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Bagan Datuk Member of Parliament, spent about an hour surveying and mingling with the crowd at the jetty square.

After visiting some stalls Ahmad  Zahid then signed a 'Sebenarnya.My’ portal banner and proceeded to help himself to some cakes at a food stall near the jetty.

Mohd Nazir, who had been in the beverage business for four years, said the deputy prime minister's visit showed that he is caring and has the people’s interests at heart.

Meanwhile, Siti Fatimah Razali, 48, said Ahmad Zahid stopped to ask her how much she earned since the jetty was upgraded. "To me it’s good that we are given the chance to trade here because we can earn extra income and our presence gives the jetty an air of festivity,” said Sit Fatimah who sells drinks and chick-peas.

As for Anuar Ibrahim, 45, who sells snacks he hoped the Bagan Datuk Jetty would become a tourist icon in the district and the public would be able to see Bagan Datuk development since it was declared a new district early this year

"Since we set up our stalls here two months ago visitors have been flocking here, especially during weekends. I hope more activities will be organised to attract more visitors to the jetty," he said.