KUALA LUMPUR City Hall (DBKL) is embarking on a large-scale whitelisting exercise on unlicensed traders in the city, says Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) said she has given DBKL four months, until August, to complete the exercise.
“We urge unlicensed traders to come forward, register and follow the process.
“But it must be understood that not all will be granted licences,” she said during a Hari Raya Aidilfitri event at Menara DBKL Thursday (April 17).
She added that the exercise would also provide DBKL with the necessary data on the current number of roadside stalls.
Dr Zaliha emphasised that this was an opportunity for correction and not absolute amnesty.
“We are giving them a chance. However, if they do not come forward, we will take firmer action,” she said.
She said Kuala Lumpur could no longer be governed in a reactive or ad hoc manner.
“We are not seeking perfection, but we choose to have the courage to make corrections.
“That is more noble than maintaining a flawed system. This country has laws.
“We cannot allow the city to be governed by the law of the jungle, where the strongest wins,” she said.
Dr Zaliha questioned the fairness of allowing unlicensed hawkers to operate freely while others complied with regulations, paid rent and obtained proper licences.
“Justice must be upheld, not postponed out of fear of being disliked.
“I want to emphasise that the fundamental principle is that all types of businesses in Kuala Lumpur must obtain a licence from DBKL.”
