Stall in Taman United builds structures on walkway, blocking public space

A licensed stall has taken over a walkway in Jalan Sepadu, off Jalan Kelang Lama.

STAKEHOLDERS in Taman United, off Jalan Kelang Lama, are questioning Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) decision to allow a food stall to operate on a public walkway in Jalan Sepadu.

The licensed stall had taken up a sizeable space, installed grilles and set up tables and chairs on the walkway.

Fans and lighting had been installed with electricity cables running from a nearby apartment.

Two stoves connected to a gas tank had also been set up.

Outside the stall was a huge banner informing the public of the menu.

“It’s operating like a restaurant,” said Taman United resident Mary Loo.

“As far as I know, stalls are not supposed to operate on public walkways or have stoves.

“Cooking is to be done elsewhere and they are supposed to just sell the food.”

“This area is congested and there are stalls operating on every walkway here,” said Tan Pek Har, another resident.

“The space is being used by traders to make a living but it puts pedestrians in danger.”

Resident Sean Oon said, “These stalls are also endangering the people who patronise them, given the close proximity to the road.”

He said the site was not suitable for stalls and that everything should be removed.

Crystal Wong, who works at the nearby Pearl Suria mall, said, the stall operator had the means to instal grilles, arrange for electricity and water connection, as well as hire workers to cook and clean, suggesting that the operator could also afford to rent a place.

Salmiah Harun, who lives nearby, said she had seen so many stalls that started small but outgrew the space allocated.

“We have complained many times but there is never periodic enforcement.

“A big enforcement exercise was carried once but that was a few years ago.

“Stall operators who were obstructing the walkway were fined and some items were confiscated by DBKL but a few weeks later, they all resumed putting tables and chairs along the walkway,” Salmiah said.

StarMetro found the stall operating like a mini restaurant, short of having a toilet.

There were no grease traps visible and a crude piping system had been installed at the back of the stall for food discharge.

When asked whether they were legal, a cook pointed to an affixed licence which showed it would expire next month.

The cook said his boss was elsewhere and contacted him.

When StarMetro asked the stall owner if he was allowed to erect permanent structures along the walkway, he insisted that he had a licence to operate at the site.

When contacted, a DBKL spokesperson from the enforcement department said: “The Licensing and Business Development Department will be cancelling the stall’s licence due to various infringements.

“After that, action will be taken,” the officer said.