PETALING JAYA: The operation by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) against unlicensed traders on Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman on Friday (March 28) night has been criticised after it led to a scuffle.
Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, the political secretary to the Finance Minister, described the incident as despicable and unacceptable after viewing the viral video, adding that such action cannot be justified, regardless of DBKL's excuses.
Condemning the incident, he called for an investigation to be carried out.
"Ramadan must strengthen humanity and increase the level of personality. While waiting for the full report from the authorities, I strongly condemn the action and urge for an immediate and strict investigation against those involved," he posted on X on Saturday (March 29).
A video recording, believed to have been taken by a trader in the area, initially shows several DBKL enforcement officers seizing balloons being sold by an individual.
The commotion began when the trader involved was seen not cooperating and obstructing the actions of the DBKL officers, leading to other traders intervening and causing a commotion.
The incident has drawn criticism from political leaders, who slammed the overzealous action by the DBKL officers.
Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that such roughness was inappropriate for roadside vendors whose only crime was selling balloons.
He urged local councils to be more caring, sensitive, and courteous, finding ways to allow small traders to earn a living during certain festive seasons.
Temporary licences can be issued to allow them to do business in certain places for a limited period.
Under the Perikatan government, the Federal Territories Ministry implemented the Free Trade Zone by issuing hawkers temporary licences for a limited period.
"The initiative was aimed at easing the burden on the people whose incomes have been affected by the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
”As such, the same concept can be used by the current government, especially when the people are facing the rise in cost of living," he added, noting that the extra income can help with the financial burden.
Additionally, Muhyiddin emphasised the importance of being a caring government towards people wanting to earn a living and hoped such incidents will not be repeated.
Meanwhile, Umno Youth is ready to demand justice for the 'balloon seller' involved in the commotion.
Its chief, Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, expressed his shock and sadness over the incident while questioning the respective minister about whether the rough behaviour of the DBKL was part of their standard operating procedure (SOP).
"Yes, it is true and wrong, they don’t have licences or permits. But we as human beings must have compassion. This is the Raya season, let him do business anyway.
"We have to remember that such people also have families, children, relatives. If they see him being treated like this, how will they feel? They will surely be sad because treating him like an animal was not required," he said in a video posted on his Facebook on Saturday.
He also asked those who know the balloon seller to contact him so that Umno Youth can help seek justice.
National Water Services Commission (SPAN) chairman Charles Santiago, meanwhile, said the DBKL officers should have showed discretion and offered solutions, such as guiding the vendor towards proper licensing.
"DBKL should focus on facilitating livelihoods. A compassionate approach, such as offering designated zones for small traders or temporary permits, would be far more effective than ruthless enforcement," he said in a statement Saturday.
Santiago also suggested that the officers involved should be suspended pending an independent investigation. DBKL must also undergo serious reforms, including sensitivity training, to ensure enforcement is carried out with empathy, he added.
Previously, other videos went viral of a petai seller's scuffle with the Port Dickson Municipal Council on March 21, and DBKL officers were also seen in a commotion with a water bottle seller at Dataran Merdeka on Friday.
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