Chandrakumanan (left) raising the plight of the seven traders with Anwar at Parliament lobby.
SEVEN traders who were relocated to the Ruang Tinjau food court in Little India, Brickfields have been told that their licence which expired on Dec 31 last year will not be renewed.
The traders were shocked as the land owner – Federal Territories Land and Mines Office (PPTGWP) – gave DBKL a Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) to operate the food court that is also known as the observation deck.
ALSO READ: Licences finally given to Brickfields’ elderly traders
On May 16, 2022, StarMetro had reported on their joy, “Licences finally given to Brickfields’ elderly traders” only for their hopes to be dashed a few months later.
Sources from DBKL and the land office told StarMetro that they had received complaints that the traders were not keeping the area clean.
When contacted, trader Ooi Ah Boi, 75, said she keeps the place spick and span at all times.
“I close my stall once a week. But during that time someone deliberately dirties the place by leaving rotting food behind,” she claimed.
S. Balasingam, who sells burgers, also denies the allegation,
ALSO READ: Brickfields traders cry foul over seizure of stall extension
“My stall is cleaned regularly. We are tired of this constant harassment,’’ said the 69-year-old,
He questioned why DBKL did not check on the complaints before making a decision not to renew their licence,
“We have been trading for many years here and we always clean up,’’ said Veal Alagi, 57, who sells vegetarian nasi lemak.
She added that they hire a professional to do a thorough cleaning once a month.
ALSO READ: Brickfields traders turn to MACC
Minority Rights Action Party (MIRA) president Datuk A. Chandrakumanan, who is helping the traders to get their licence renewed, said that he has brought the matter to the attention of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah.
“I met with the Prime Minister in Parliament and asked him to intervene,” he said.
Chandrakumanan added the mayor had also promised to look into the matter.
When contacted, a DBKL spokesperson said City Hall would respond soon.
StarMetro's report on May 16, 2022
