Temporary licences to operate in residential areas in PJ Old Town, Kg Cempaka

Karnival Usahawan MBPJ dan Koperasi event saw 22 entrepreneurs selling their goods and services at the Petaling Jaya Civic Hall. — Photos: AZMAN GHANI/The Star

Initiative part of MBPJ support for entrepreneurs in PJ Old Town and Kampung Cempaka

SEVERAL business owners in areas such as Kampung Cempaka and Petaling Jaya Old Town will be issued temporary five-year licences so they can continue to operate.

This is part of Petaling Jaya City Council’s (MBPJ) effort to legalise and support entrepreneurs, said mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon.

“Both Kampung Cempaka and Petaling Jaya Old Town are gazetted as housing areas.

“These businesses are unlicensed and some have been around for generations.

“In Kampung Cempaka, over 40 businesses will be issued temporary five-year licences to operate.

“After which, if they are deemed qualified, we will issue them a permanent licence.

“At Petaling Jaya Old Town, some 12 shops will also be issued temporary licences,” he said at the MBPJ Entrepreneur and Cooperative Carnival at the Civic Hall.

In Kampung Cempaka, only hair salons, cafes, restaurants, furniture stores, tailoring and furniture factories are allowed.

Mohamad Zahri launching MBPJ’s guidelines for new business activities.

Prohibited businesses include vehicle repair and painting workshops, glass and aluminium shops, storage facilities, service centres and furniture repair.

Mohamad Zahri said that to help the B40 group, MBPJ was also allowing certain businesses in Taman Medan, which consists of PJS 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Only micro businesses selling food, drinks and snacks are allowed, but sellers plying coconut and sugarcane water as well as satay are prohibited.

Also not allowed are showrooms and pet shops.

The city council also released guidelines for new businesses in the city, such as go-kart, golf simulator, pet hotel and animal grooming.

About 60 pet grooming and hotels are currently registered with MBPJ.

Mohamad Zahri said the new guidelines were based on discussion with the Veterinary Services Department and other experts.

The carnival, organised to celebrate MBPJ’s 18th anniversary, saw some 22 entrepreneurs showcasing their products and services.

Rozilah Abdul Rahman, a food vendor, decided to set up a booth selling batik and crafts there to supplement her income.

Her main business is traditional delicacies, specifically Rendang Tok and Bahulu Berdal.

She credited MBPJ for significantly aiding her entrepreneurial journey.

“MBPJ has helped me a lot by providing practical training and support,” said Rozilah who was one of 10 winners of MBPJ’s Best Entrepreneur 2023 award.