Stalls with torn canopies, bent frames and broken tables along Jalan 4/155 in Bukit OUG, Kuala Lumpur. Roadside traders abandoned them after the MCO was lifted. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
DISUSED stalls with torn, fraying canopies and broken furniture are a visual and environmental blight on Jalan 4/155 in Bukit OUG, Kuala Lumpur.
These remnants from former roadside traders have been left neglected, much to local residents’ dismay.
The area, surrounded by high-rises including Kampung Muhibbah People’s Housing Project (PPR) and Kompleks Komuniti Muhibbah, once bustled with activity, especially during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Some items, like tables and chairs, have been padlocked to a lamp post by their owners. Residents want them removed. - BAVANI MAHALINGAM/The Star
However, residents say that after the movement control order was lifted, the traders abandoned them.
“Some items, like tables and chairs, have been padlocked to a lamp post, and they have been there for more than a year.
“It is possible the owners are using the space as personal storage,” said Fauziah Ramlan, 60, from Kampung Muhibbah PPR.
“They stick out like a sore thumb and obstruct the walk path,” she added.
A resident from Platinum OUG Residence, who only wished to be identified as Sim, voiced concern over the area becoming a hangout for undesirable activities.
“I see people there late at night.
“If the items are abandoned, why not remove them?
“Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) owns the community hall there and I am sure they are aware of the condition of the area,” Sim added.
On a recent visit, StarMetro found several canopies with torn fabrics and structures in disrepair, with bent and tangled metal frames.
Underneath, makeshift tables and plastic chairs were scattered amid rubbish including plastic bags and debris.
Further down, in front of the community hall, stacks of plastic chairs and a few small tables were left by the sidewalk.
These items were padlocked to a metal pole, presumably to prevent theft.
When contacted, a DBKL enforcement officer from the Seputeh branch office said the team regularly conducted operations to clear traders who obstruct public walkways.
“We will look into this matter, but we hope that residents facing similar issues can lodge a report with ADU@KL at adukl.dbkl.gov.my.”
The officer said owners of those items could be issued compound notices under Section 46 (1) of the Street, Drainage, and Buildings Act 1974 for leaving items in public spaces.
“We will issue a notice and the owners will be given a week to clear the area.
“If they refuse, all the items will be brought to the Cheras depot.
“After a certain grace period, the items will be auctioned off,” the officer said, adding that items belonging to foreigners would not be returned.
