An excavator tearing down an illegal structure in the lane located behind Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur.
DBKL to transform area after bringing down illegal structures
REPAIRS, upgrades and beautification are planned for a back lane in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur, after illegal structures were demolished in a major enforcement operation.
Kuala Lumpur advisory board member Andre Lai said on Saturday action was taken against a food court for an illegal extension that obstructed the lane behind Jalan Sultan for about 30 years.
“The pavement and drainage system in the lane are badly damaged.
“The pavement needs to be resurfaced before Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) Urban Transport Department can step in to do road markings.
“The drains also need to be repaired.
“I will also request for street lamps to be installed,” he said when met at the site.
Lai added that he would discuss with DBKL Culture, Arts, Tourism and Sports Department about the possibility of drawing murals on walls to beautify the lane.
In StarMetro’s article on Aug 6 titled “Illegal structures demolished in Chinatown’s back lanes”, it was reported that illegal structures obstructing back lanes and pedestrian walkways at several locations in Kuala Lumpur, were demolished in the largest of such operations this year.
The operation that started on Aug 3, targeted illegal structures around Chinatown, with the food court among those identified.
Lai said the food court operator was given a week to dismantle the remaining illegal structure following the Aug 3 operation.
“The operator asked for an extension last week, saying that there were too many objects to be removed.
“DBKL granted the request.”
About 80 personnel from DBKL and the police tore down the remaining two illegal structures in the back lane over the weekend.
Lai urged traders to apply for permits from DBKL’s Building Control Department to build extensions.
Nearby, DBKL also seized tables and chairs of a burger stall that obstructed the walkway along Jalan Pudu, near Jalan Sultan.
Lai suggested information kiosks about Kuala Lumpur’s history be installed to prevent traders from occupying the walkway.
“People walking along can also learn about the city’s history (through these kiosks),” he said.
Owners of premises and stalls who erect illegal structures can be charged under Section 46 of the Street, Drainage, and Building Act 1974.
Upon conviction, they shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM500 and in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding RM1,000.
