Traders are happy with the new roof at Petaling Street. — AZLINA ABDULAH/The Star
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has been urged to investigate the emergence of eight new stalls in the Petaling Street area in Kuala Lumpur.
These traders surfaced after the third and fourth phases of the Petaling Street upgrading project were completed earlier this month.
Kuala Lumpur Hawkers and Petty Traders Association chairman Datuk Seri Ang Say Tee said unlicensed traders might have set up stalls there.
“The upgrading project is now in its sixth and final phase.
“When the third and fourth phases affecting the middle of Petaling Street were done, traders who regularly operated in that space from 5pm to midnight, complained to the association after finding new traders had set up stalls along that stretch.
“As a result, some of the regular traders had to move to the end of the road,” he said.
Ang said the association told DBKL that it did not want additional stalls in Petaling Street because the current 773 stalls were sufficient.
“Initially, traders from the eight new stalls would operate at night, but after complaints from nearby traders, they began to open intermittently.
“We have written to DBKL and Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun about looking into the matter.
“The association will not allow traders from outside of Petaling Street to bully our traders,” he said.
The upgrading works are expected to be completed by Dec 15.
Currently a stretch of Petaling Street, including the entrance at Jalan Sultan, is cordoned off to facilitate upgrading works.
Completed changes to the area include a new colourful roof and sturdier stall structures.
Ang said traders were happy and praised DBKL for the upgrades.
“However, the upgrading works do not include Jalan Hang Lekir.
“Traders are hoping that Jalan Hang Lekir will be upgraded, but DBKL says it lacks the funds.
“The association plans to seek funds from Housing and Local Government Ministry,” he said.
DBKL had not responded to requests for comments at press time.
