DBKL officer posting a notice (above) along Lorong Bandar 16 during the enforcement team’s action on illegal structures. — Photos: CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
KUALA Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has issued five eviction notices to business operators who have put up illegal structures for their stalls along Lorong Bandar 16, in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown.
This follows complaints from several shop owners along Jalan Petaling that the back doors of their business premises were blocked by illegal structures.
According to the DBKL notices, the structures blocked access and were an obstruction to the public.
The notice also stated that under Section 69(3) of Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974, those who had put up the structures must dismantle them within a week from Jan 6 or they would be demolished after the deadline.
During a site visit with DBKL Enforcement Department officers, Kuala Lumpur Advisory Board member Carmen Leong said several structures, including a metal door, had obstructed public access along Lorong Bandar 16.
“Several Jalan Petaling shop owners had also complained to me that the rear access to their premises were blocked.
“They had raised the matter with DBKL in 2022 but nothing was done.
Following public complaints that access to the back lane was hindered. Business owners in Jalan Petaling also raised concerns over hygiene and safety. — Photos: CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
“Aside from the inconvenience caused, business owners also highlighted hygiene and safety issues rising from these illegal structures,” she said.
Notices were posted too on structures that had been abandoned by previous stall owners.
Leong said, “We were told by surrounding stakeholders that the structures had existed since 2000 and had obstructed pedestrian access.
“Some of the food traders were given temporary licence by DBKL to operate in a 3.3m by 3.3m stall, but they had expanded their stalls and built permanent structures.”
She added that food waste was also being discharged into drains in the area.
Board member Andre Lai, who also took part in the site visit, said the case of illegal structures obstructing public access at Lorong Bandar 16 was similar to the one that had plagued the back lanes of Jalan Sultan.
“Last year, DBKL not only demolished illegal structures in the back lanes of Jalan Sultan but also beautified the lanes.
“Stakeholders in the surrounding area are happy with DBKL’s efforts.
“Structures that were built without a permit at Lorong Bandar 16 are not only a safety risk but also an eyesore,” said Lai.
He said that once the obstructions were cleared, the empty space could be turned into pocket parks.
“With the Asean Summit taking place in Kuala Lumpur in October, it is vital to spruce up this area.
“If space allows, it can be made into a pocket park,” he said, adding that DBKL would continue to monitor the situation at Lorong Bandar 16.
