Stacks of plastic tables and chairs confiscated during enforcement raids by DBKL.— Courtesy photos
MANY Kuala Lumpur restaurants and food stalls are openly flouting city regulations, persistently cluttering public walkways with tables and chairs despite repeated confiscations by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
Enforcement officers report that these operators keep spare furniture ready, swiftly replacing items seized during raids.
“They have backup tables and chairs stacked nearby. When we confiscate, they just bring out another set.
“It’s a never-ending battle: we take, they replace,” said a DBKL enforcement officer who requested anonymity.
The officer highlighted Jalan Sultan and Brickfields as particular hotspots.
“In Jalan Sultan, one operator keeps playing a cat-and-mouse game. They don’t argue when we seize the tables and chairs, but the moment we leave, they bring out the spares.
“Our depot is filled with their furniture. Fines mean nothing, they have the money and treat the compounds like pocket change,” the enforcement officer revealed.
DBKL enforcement officers loading seized tables and stools onto a lorry during an operation outside a shopping complex in Bukit Bintang.
It is a similar scenario in Brickfields, where furniture is stashed indoors, only to reappear on walkways once officers depart.
DBKL’s recent operation targeted several hotspots, including Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Changkat, Jalan Bulan, Jalan Alor, Jalan Padang Belia, Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad, Jalan Tun Sambanthan and Jalan Thambipillay.
The crackdown resulted in 31 seizure notices for unauthorised use of pedestrian walkways and 11 notices for other non-compliances, such as obstructing public spaces and lacking valid permits.
Confiscated items ranged from plastic furniture and canopies to women’s accessories and unauthorised equipment.
Enforcement was carried out under Section 46 of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974, which prohibits obstruction of public roads and walkways, and the Hawkers Licensing By-Laws (WPKL) 2016.
Meanwhile, Brickfields residents are voicing their frustration over the ongoing issue.
“I was having dinner near Sentral Vista when DBKL carried out enforcement at a restaurant that had placed tables and chairs on the walkway.
“But as soon as the officers left, the workers came out and set up new tables and chairs.
“This happens all the time. Even roadside traders are doing it. They replace what was taken,” said law student Vikram Raj.
Brickfields resident Dr Christopher Nicholas said the current system by the authorities was failing.
“DBKL needs to rethink its enforcement strategy and overhaul the licensing system.
“As long as penalties remain low and enforcement is predictable, operators will treat fines as a business expense.
“There must be real consequences for repeated violations, heavier penalties, licence suspensions, even blacklisting for habitual offenders,” he said.
Bukit Bintang Federal Territory Residents Representative Council (MPPWP) sub-zone 4 chairman Cynthia Hor had similar views.
“There are no routine patrols, and no consistent presence. There is still no system to link repeated violations to licence renewals,” Hor said.
Hor says three summonses should trigger a licence cancellation.
She said three summonses should trigger a cancellation, or at least require a letter of undertaking or endorsement from the MPPWP or MP’s office.
“When fines cost less than a day’s profit, rule-breakers simply carry on,” she said.
Hor added that businesses should be required to display summon notices on their premises similar to hygiene or cleanliness grades.
She proposed installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at hotspots.
“CCTVs cost RM1,500 per unit, with RM30 monthly to maintain. This is doable if DBKL allows installation on existing poles.”
By law, only licensed restaurants, cafes, and coffeeshops can apply for outdoor seating permits, which come with strict placement and operating conditions.
Monthly fees range from RM20 to RM50 per table, with a security deposit of up to RM10,000.
First-time violators receive a verbal warning, while repeat offenders are issued notices under Section 46 and face a RM500 compound per offence.
Last year, DBKL carried out 233 operations where 2,314 tables, 2,592 chairs, and 1,627 other items were seized.
