Left: Temporary stalls occupying a road shoulder along Jalan Dagang Besar. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
A COMPREHENSIVE on-ground data collection exercise on small traders in Ampang Jaya, Selangor, has resulted in more than 3,500 hawkers receiving a temporary licence.
The initiative, conducted by Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ), aimed to streamline trader registration, regulate informal business activity and strengthen coordination for the growing micro-enterprise sector.
As part of the restructuring effort, MPAJ has provided 94 MyKiosk KPKT@MPAJ units to facilitate the relocation and formalisation of small traders within its jurisdiction.
“Based on on-site checks, the rising cost of living is the main factor driving many traders to operate at locations other than those designated by the council,” MPAJ said in a statement to StarMetro.
“There has also been an increase in demand for small business and hawker activities in the MPAJ area.”
The council noted that enforcement remained necessary for operators who failed to meet basic hygiene, cleanliness or safety standards.
Beyond compounds issued under existing by-laws, MPAJ also issued conditions compliance notices, licence compliance notices and licence cancellation confirmation notices to non-compliant traders.
MPAJ said engagement with traders was ongoing, with communication carried out through annual briefings on licensing and micro-entrepreneurship, supported by regular updates from enforcement and field officers.
On June 8, StarMetro had reported on the matter, “Eye on small traders in Ampang Jaya.”
It stated that MPAJ was launching a major initiative to identify and register small traders operating across Ampang Jaya, following concerns over the growing number of roadside and temporary setups.
The exercise began in June.
MPAJ also signalled plans to identify new trading sites to accommodate rising demand, offering temporary licences to compliant operators while proposing relocation or, when necessary, enforcement action against those operating in unsuitable or unsafe areas.
