Back lane turned into marketplace

Foreigners using the back lane near Kampung Attap to display and sell second-hand items. — SS KANESAN / The Star

RESIDENTS of Kampung Attap, Kuala Lumpur are unhappy that foreigners are misusing the back lane between Jalan Maharajalela and Jalan Choo Cheng Kay in Kuala Lumpur.

They have taken over Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) parking bays to store personal items in the back lane which is next to Mirama Hotel.

According to nearby residents, the foreigners also sell second-hand goods to others at the spot.

A senior living in Bangunan Choo Cheng Khay, CK Chiew, 81, said the place had become an eyesore with items like old furniture found there.

“The foreigners are also making use of the empty space below the townhouses as their storage and sleeping area.

“It is dirty and the place is a mess. When they started the business, it attracted other foreigners to loiter around the area, ” he said.

Chiew added that he often saw a crowd around the area whenever he goes to a nearby coffee shop for breakfast before the movement control order was implemented.

“Vehicles like garbage trucks find it difficult to squeeze through the back lane because of the items kept on the road, ” he said.

During a visit by StarMetro, the back lane was deserted and only a few foreigners were seen in the area.

Clothing was hung out and shoes placed on the concrete wall.

A man was spotted at the site, selling items like shoes and broken stand fans which were placed on a piece of canvas.

Nearby resident Mohd Faiz Ismail, 45, said the foreigners had been around for more than two years.

“First, it was only one or two items stacked in the back lane.

“Later, more items were brought in taking over about 10 parking bays, ” he said.

When contacted, a DBKL spokesman said they will investigate the matter.