IT is not unusual to see hawkers operating by the side of busy roads in Malaysia, offering anything from breakfast items like packed nasi lemak to lunch dishes and teatime snacks.
These stalls provide a convenient option for locals to pick up food and drinks on their way to or from work.
However, many − especially the popular ones − pose a danger to both motorists and themselves when vehicles pull over or park haphazardly to make purchases.
Checks by StarMetro in Greater Johor Baru found many roadside stalls located along busy roads in popular areas such as Jalan Maju in Taman Maju Jaya, Bandar Dato’ Onn, Taman Perling and Taman Tampoi Indah.
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Some hawkers even set up stalls directly on the road or road shoulder, leaving little space between them and fast-moving traffic.
Motorist Muhammad Ariff Mohamad Nizam noted that such hawkers were a common sight in the city.
“I have noticed stalls operating at road junctions in Bandar Dato’ Onn where I spend a lot of time for work.
“This inconveniences other road users as customers stop their vehicles on the roadside to make purchases, disrupting traffic flow especially during peak hours,” said the 32-year-old communications officer.
Beyond safety issues, he expressed concern about food hygiene due to these stalls’ close proximity to roads.
“Some stalls operate along the busy Pasir Gudang Highway, which sees heavy traffic daily.
“Imagine the dust and debris that could end up in the food being sold.
“I am also unsure whether these stalls have proper licences, or if the vendors have undergone food handling courses and vaccinations,” he added.
A Taman Perling resident who only wanted to be known as Wong, 55, said hawkers operating along the street kerb opposite Perling Mall exposed themselves, their customers and other road users to danger.
“The stalls usually open from early morning until noon to cater to those working in Singapore, as the road leads to Perling toll plaza used to access the Second Link crossing.
“The stalls are set up right on the edge of the kerb so that customers can stop their vehicles along the busy road to buy food.
“It is an accident waiting to happen,” said Wong, an ehailing driver.
He also noted the frustration of encountering randomly parked cars while leaving for work in the morning.
“I once saw a motorcyclist narrowly avoid an accident when the car in front stopped suddenly beside the stalls and opened the car door,” he said.
The issue of roadside traders in Taman Perling was previously addressed by Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP).
In 2023, MBIP Perling zone councillor Datuk Abd Rashid Kasiman said roadside food traders in Taman Perling would be relocated to a carpark adjacent to Perling wet market.
“We have received complaints that the roadside stalls, especially those near Perling Mall, are causing an inconvenience,” he said.
Abd Rashid said the public had complained about lorry drivers stopping along the highway to buy food, customers double-parking and hawkers disposing of used cooking oil into nearby drains.
The city council informed traders that failure to relocate would result in non-renewal of their business licences.
The issue was again highlighted by StarMetro on Sept 3, where Iskandar Puteri mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad promised enforcement action against illegal hawkers along the highway.
“We have Pusat Niaga@Jalan Camar near Perling wet market where the roadside hawkers can operate from,” he had said.
Better trading spots needed
Even areas outside Johor Baru are not spared from safety threats posed by roadside stalls.
Senior marketing executive Sharl Bala, 36, stressed that setting up food stalls on roads and other hazardous locations could lead to accidents, especially when motorists were unfamiliar with the area.
“I see these stalls in the Masai and Pasir Gudang areas.
“Motorists could be caught off guard by pedestrians as well as vehicles that stop randomly to buy from the stalls.”
Sharl said she was reluctant to buy from such stalls due to safety concerns for herself and other road users.
She further emphasised that stall owners should consider the safety of their customers and other road users.
“Authorities could introduce more designated zones for hawkers to ensure safety for both vendors and motorists.
“By placing stalls in locations with better visibility and access, communities can support local businesses without neglecting road safety,” added Sharl, who works at a private hospital.
Teacher Yeo Siew Li agreed that providing better trading spots for hawkers could reduce the number of illegal roadside stalls.
“The stalls are usually run by petty traders who need to make a living, so it is unfair to stop them from doing business altogether.
“Instead of penalising them, authorities should consider their needs by providing safer locations with affordable rent and licences to conduct their business,” said the 38-year-old.
Yeo stressed that hawkers should cooperate with local authorities and not operate illegally, as they risked having their business licences revoked.
“This way, we can tackle the issue of illegal stalls and road safety simultaneously,” she said.