A total of 62 structures were torn down along Jalan PJU 1A/46 by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and related agencies.
LEMBAH Subang traders in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, whose illegal stalls along Jalan PJU 1A/46 were demolished, claim that the city council was not clear about its plans to relocate them.
While Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) said on its social media page that notices had been issued to them and that a new trading site at Lot 80979 had been prepared, the disgruntled traders said they were left in the dark about when and how they were supposed to move.
Over the last two days, MBPJ tore down 62 structures along roadside drains to make way for road expansion and drainage upgrading works.
The demolition exercise involved over 120 personnel from multiple departments and was assisted by the police, utility companies as well as state land authorities.
Lot 80979 is a carpark located within the Lembah Subang 1 People’s Housing Project (PPR).
Taman Medan assemblyman Dr Afif Bahardin, who has been mediating between MBPJ and the traders, said the city council had earlier discussed a mitigation plan with local councillors and assemblymen.
Maharudin (right) relaying the traders’ feedback to Dr Afif.
He said the plan, including allocating 76 lots at a temporary site for the affected stall operators, was not executed properly.
“Traders were told to vacate, but there were no documents or clear instructions on where to place their stalls.
“Cars are still parked at the supposed temporary site and the traders were never officially informed of the allocation.”
Dr Afif said some 16 traders, who had been operating for more than two decades, were unable to clear their belongings before the demolition.
“They are sensible people. They knew their stalls were not authorised and they agreed to move, but the process should have been better managed.
“Now they are left without an income, as this is their livelihood,” he added.
Lembah Subang 1 Hawker Action Committee chairman Maharudin Yusof said the traders were shocked when demolition went ahead despite ongoing discussions on the relocation.
Maharudin said many of the traders have been operating there for years, with their daily income supporting their families.
MBPJ said affected traders had been issued notices and given reasonable time to vacate.
“Strict action will be taken against any party constructing structures without permission on public reserve land,” the city council said, while urging the public to comply with local laws.
Flower seller Lalitha Muniandy, whose stall was far from the main road of Jalan PJU 1A/46, said she was told her stall would not be affected.
However, on Wednesday her stall was also demolished and belongings thrown out.
“They just threw my belongings, like my fridge, outside.
“Imagine how I felt when my electrical goods were just tossed out in the rain,” she said.
Chicken rice seller Shukri Mohd Zahir, who has been trading for over 20 years at the site, said he had requested for a trading licence in the past but the process was always postponed or shelved.
“I would receive exact dates to go through the licence application process, but there was always an excuse that the person in charge was away.
“Why make it difficult for us?” he asked.
