AN ILLEGAL food court in Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur, has finally been torn down, ending a nearly two-year battle between the operator and local residents.
A joint operation involving several agencies was led by the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Land and Mines Office (PTGWP) on Thursday (Feb 29).
A handful of items such as tents, tables, chairs, cookware and gas cylinders were among items seized by the authorities.
At press time, the operation was still ongoing and a PTGWP spokesperson said the site, which is government land, would be left vacant after this.
The issue came to light last year following several reports by StarMetro, highlighting complaints by residents.
They were upset with the increased traffic and noise, as well as cleanliness issues caused by the premises, which began operating in late 2021.
Earlier this month, PTGWP issued a notice to the operator to vacate by Feb 14.
However, PTGWP later granted an extension until Feb 29, following an appeal by the operator.
Resident Laif Mohd Faisal thanked the authorities for taking action, but insisted that a stronger enforcement was needed around the lakeside park.
Another resident Sylvester Navaratnam urged the authorities to inspect other commercial premises in the area.
“Under the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2020, this area has been designated for residential use.
“The authorities must abide by the rule and not allow the land use to be changed simply,” he said.
