DBKL launches graft probe over payoffs by mandarin orange sellers

KUALA LUMPUR City Hall (DBKL) has launched an internal investigation into allegations of corruption involving several of its enforcement personnel who have allegedly been soliciting bribes from traders selling mandarin oranges in the city.

This follows allegations that some officers were apparently bullying traders in Kuchai Entrepreneurs Park in Kuchai Lama who violated licensing guidelines.

A senior DBKL officer said when contacted on Tuesday (Jan 3) that the matter was being probed and some officers would be questioned, but declined to elaborate.

StarMetro has reliably learnt that mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah ordered an internal probe on the matter and sent integrity officers to the scene to collect evidence and interview traders.

An audio recording circulated online, sent out by a Kuala Lumpur resident by the name of Imraz Ikhbal, claimed that DBKL enforcement officers were demanding bribes from traders who had breached licensing regulations.

When contacted, Imraz said he went to buy mandarin oranges at the site recently and was shocked to see the exorbitant price of RM52 for only 20 oranges.

“When I asked about the pricing, the trader confessed that he had to hike up the price because he had to pay off RM1,000 to DBKL officers so that they would not disturb his business.

“I was angry and felt that I had to do something to highlight this. I lodged a complaint with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and even met the mayor," he said.

Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, who also sent her team to check on the matter, said those involved were traders who violated licensing requirements.

“My people spoke to the person affected... he was given a licence to operate only one stall, but was running two.

“So he was paying off DBKL to let him continue operating both stalls.

“We told him we would help him get the required licence, but he must follow the law. However, he refused our help and said he could not do business that way.

"This unethical culture goes both ways and must stop," she said.

StarMetro interviewed traders in the area and was told the licensing breaches and payoffs were "a very normal occurrence".

“It happens a lot with those who flout the law. They are the ones willing to pay off the officers... this should not be happening," said one trader there.

“This culture should stop now. The culprits who are giving and taking bribes must be punished," said another trader, who operates in the OUG market.