JUST three months after being evicted, a food operator who ran a stall illegally on a public walkway along Jalan Sepadu in Taman United, Kuala Lumpur, is back in business – again illegally.
The hawker had previously operated with a restaurant licence, but this time it is operating without any permits.
Despite the authorities demolishing the previous setup and cutting off water and electricity supplies, the trader has resumed operations, claiming that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) officers have verbally permitted the operation in the interim.
Following complaints from residents and businesses nearby, StarMetro visited the site and found tables and chairs on the walkway, with cooking equipment set up once again.
The space, previously cordoned off by DBKL enforcement tape, is now fully occupied by the stall operations.
A makeshift kitchen is in place under a large tent.
Cooking equipment, food preparation counters, gas cylinders and various supplies are arranged along the walkway.
Several workers were seen preparing food, confirming that the business is actively running despite previous enforcement action.
Gas cylinders are openly placed, raising safety concerns.
Tables and chairs have been positioned along the public walkway, leaving little to no space for pedestrians.
A StarMetro article on Nov 12 last year titled “DBKL clears illegal eatery on Taman United pavement” reported on DBKL’s actions against several errant traders.
Seputeh Residents’ Representatives Council (MPPWP) Zone 6 chairman Alvin T. Ariaratnam said he discovered that the illegal operator was back in business based on a tip-off from residents.
“When I questioned one of the workers at the stall, she said DBKL officers told her she could operate temporarily while waiting for a licence.
“She claimed she was approached by a middleman who had promised her a licence to operate the stall,” added Alvin.
Seputeh MP Teresa Kok’s assistant, Alice Lan Suet Ling said she would bring the matter up with DBKL officials.
“This is not right. Pedestrian walkways should be free of obstructions.
“Food operators who want to run restaurants should move into proper premises and not take up walking space,” she said.
Apart from the illegal eatery, Lan said there were other illegal stalls along the congested and traffic-filled Jalan Sepadu.
Residents who had previously fought to have the illegal structures removed, are furious at the turn of events.
“This is ridiculous. What was the point of the initial enforcement if they are just going to let them set up again?” asked Mary Loo, a resident who had lodged multiple complaints about the obstruction.
Another resident, Salmah Hasan, questioned why DBKL was not acting swiftly to prevent repeat offences.
“It is obvious that this trader has no intention of complying with the law.
“DBKL needs to put a stop to this permanently,” she said.
James Nayagam, another concerned resident, called for stricter monitoring and immediate action to prevent such defiance.
“Periodic inspections should be carried out and if a business has been found operating without a valid licence before, they should face tougher penalties.
“Otherwise, this cycle will never end,” he said.
When contacted, a DBKL spokesperson said the matter would be investigated and necessary action taken.
