Tents remain in place, stage comes down nightly, Seremban mayor clears Deepavali carnival confusion

Only the main stage at the 2026 Deepavali Carnival in Seremban must be dismantled nightly, while traders’ tents are allowed to remain throughout the festival. — Bernama pic

First Published: Monday, 12 Oct 2026 2:29 PM MYT

SEREMBAN, Oct 12 — Only the main stage for the 2026 Deepavali Carnival on Jalan Dato’ Lee Fong Yee here needs to be dismantled or removed after daily operations conclude, whereas traders’ tents are permitted to remain set up throughout the event’s duration.

Seremban City Council (MBS) mayor Datuk Ir Masri Baharuddin said the clarification was issued to correct an earlier statement regarding the requirements for handling tents after daily business hours.

He said that traders’ tents approved by MBS do not need to be dismantled and removed daily instead, only the main stage must be dismantled or removed in accordance with the terms and conditions set by the local authority.

“MBS wishes to correct and clarify this information to avoid confusion among traders, organisers, and the public.

“Please be informed that traders’ tents approved by MBS may remain set up at the site throughout the carnival period and do not need to be dismantled or removed daily.”

“However, the main stage must be dismantled or removed after operations conclude, in accordance with the conditions stipulated by MBS,” he said in a statement here today.

Masri expressed hope that this clarification would provide an accurate picture of the actual requirements regarding the management of traders’ tents and the main stage throughout the carnival’s duration.

Yesterday, the media reported that MBS had asked the Deepavali Carnival organisers to ensure all tents were dismantled and removed from the site after operations ended at midnight each day, before being re-erected the following day.

Meanwhile, Masri said the organisers and all participating traders must ensure that business activities comply with the approval conditions, directives, guidelines, and regulations set by MBS and relevant agencies.

He added that the organisers and traders are also responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and tidiness of the carnival site including the proper management of food waste, trash, and refuse throughout the operating period for the mutual comfort of all.

Masri noted that these measures aim to ensure the carnival runs smoothly and in an orderly manner without compromising public interests or comfort, while prioritising safety, cleanliness, and site management.

MBS also urges all parties involved to extend their full cooperation and adhere to the established conditions and guidelines to ensure the carnival takes place in a safe, clean, orderly, and harmonious atmosphere.

The 2026 Deepavali Carnival is scheduled to take place at Jalan Dato’ Lee Fong Yee here from October 29 to November 7, featuring various activities and sales in conjunction with the festival. — Bernama