DBKL personnel dismantling structures during the operation in Jalan Sepadu and the cleared site (below). — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star and courtesy photo
Structures removed following notices that were ignored
THE long arm of the law caught up with a stubborn trader who had operated an illegal eatery, for years, on a public walkway along Jalan Sepadu in Taman United, Kuala Lumpur.
Not only did he build permanent structures, the trader also occupied a big portion of the pavement and installed a TV set, fans, lighting and sinks.
Finally, after complaints, the authorities cleared the area.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) had earlier issued a notice to the trader to vacate the area, which was ignored.
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A team of officers from various departments carried out enforcement under Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 for obstruction and other violations.
During a visit, StarMetro noticed that the structures had been dismantled.
The area was bare, except for DBKL enforcement tape cordoning the spot where the stall had been operating.
A DBKL spokesperson from the Seputeh branch confirmed that the illegal structures were removed in a joint operation involving staff from its mechanical and electrical engineering, licensing and business development and enforcement departments, along with support from Tenaga Nasional Bhd, Air Selangor and Alam Flora.
“Two permanent structures were demolished and all electrical and water connections have also been removed.
“We will monitor the site continuously,” he said, adding that apart from the eatery, another stall selling food was also removed.
On June 27, StarMetro reported that “Errant street vendors will lose licences”, with DBKL stating that five static traders were operating on the walkway and causing traffic congestion.
“Investigations on June 5 found that two traders had premises licences, two did not have licences and one was operating on a limited time licence.
“During the operation, they were issued three compound notices under Section 46(1) of the Street, Drainage and Buildings Act 1974 for leaving items in public places and two notices under Licensing of Hawkers (Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur) By-law 2016 for operating without a valid licence,” DBKL said at the time.
Flashback to StarMetro report on June 27.
One trader cleared structures during a follow up enforcement on June 21.
Frustrated residents had complained about the eateries occupying public walkways and obstructing pedestrian access.
“These stalls endanger the public through the placement of gas tanks and stoves on the pavement.
“Open cooking should not be permitted on the pavement, and erecting permanent structures is illegal,” said resident Mary Loo.
“While I appreciate DBKL’s action in finally removing them, I don’t understand why it took so long.”
Another resident, Salmah Hasan said, “DBKL should have acted immediately instead of allowing them to instal stoves, TVs and fans,” she said, adding that due to DBKL’s failure to act sooner, other traders had also been emboldened to set up shop on the pavement.
Another resident, James Nayagam, said many stalls seemed to hold restaurant licences but were operating by the roadside.
“There should be periodic inspections by the local authority. I hope that these spots that have been cleared will remain so,’’ he added.
