MBIP enforcement officials seizing items from illegal stalls during a recent operation within its jurisdiction. — Courtesy photo
ISKANDAR Puteri City Council (MBIP) is actively tackling the issue of illegal stalls, says its councillor.
Lim Soon Hai admitted that the issue of illegal stalls, including those operating by the roadside, had been longstanding.
“The public is encouraged to report illegal stalls to their local councils via the Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA) so that they can be addressed and enforcement can be carried out,” he said.
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Lim chided roadside hawkers for risking both their own and others’ safety for the sake of business and convenience.
He said many hawkers set up stalls on roadsides out of convenience, believing it would attract customers more easily.
“However, this puts themselves and their customers at risk of accidents.
Lim: Roadside stalls should be relocated to more suitable sites.
“Besides that, other road users are also exposed to such hazards,” he told StarMetro.
Lim, who is in charge of the Skudai Baru zone, said the area used to be dotted with illegal stalls.
“I used to receive a lot of complaints about illegal stalls set up along Jalan Hang Tuah in Taman Skudai Baru as well as Taman Seri Orkid.
“It took me around eight months to solve this problem with the help of the city council’s enforcement and licensing units.
“The stalls were relocated to proper spots in the respective housing estates, where it is safer and more comfortable for everyone,” he said.
He added that about 90% of illegal stalls obstructing traffic flow in his zone had been resolved.
“Those who operate a stall without a licence could also be fined up to RM2,000 or imprisoned for up to six months upon conviction,” said Lim.
He said Housing and Local Government Ministry had recently allotted more than 20 permanent trading kiosks each in Taman Universiti and Taman Damai Jaya, which would benefit many street hawkers.
“We cannot ban hawkers from conducting their business because we understand that they have to feed their families.
“Steps should be taken to relocate them to a more suitable location instead.
“That way, we can also regulate them by giving them a business licence to ensure that they register with the Companies Commission of Malaysia and undergo the necessary food-handling courses and receive typhoid vaccinations,” he said.
Meanwhile, Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) said its by-laws prohibited stalls from obstructing traffic and other public facilities.
“The stalls cannot be set up within nine metres of a road junction; within 3m of a fire hydrant; and on the stairs, five-foot ways or tarred empty public spaces unless permission from the mayor has been obtained.
“Under Rule 8(2) of MBJB Hawkers by-laws, vendors also cannot conduct business by obstructing traffic or disrupting traffic and pedestrian flow.
“While no traffic accidents related to illegal stalls have been reported so far, the risk is still there,” MBJB said in a media statement.
Other punishable offences include under Section 46 of Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133) for constructing a structure, gate or pillar that obstructs the way in any public area.
The local council also had the right to take down any such structures or instruct the owners to remove them to a different location, on the basis that the structures posed risks to themselves and others, said MBJB.
“As of Sept 19, MBJB has issued 1,309 licences to mobile hawkers and 412 licences to stall operators.
“For first-time offenders, we will usually give a verbal warning and advice.
“This will be followed by a written notice of warning if they still insist on operating illegally.
“Errant roadside hawkers will face compounds and risk having their stalls and items seized by the council’s enforcement unit,” the city council added.
MBJB said that about 60 public complaints had been received as of Sept 19 regarding stalls operating illegally, obstructing traffic or operating at unsuitable locations.
So far, 48 of the complaints have been addressed while 12 are in progress.
Last year, MBJB received 43 such complaints, which were resolved, while in 2022, 39 complaints about illegal stalls were received and addressed.
The public can lodge a complaint to MBJB via mbjb.spab.gov.my/ or to MBIP at mbip.spab.gov.my/
