WHEN Roslina Abd Rahman and her husband moved to Taman Tasik Titiwangsa 16 years ago, they anticipated a life of tranquility near Kuala Lumpur’s scenic lakeside park.
By 2026, that peace has vanished.
Food stalls and trucks now line the streets daily, encroaching on pavements and occupying parking bays.
In the evenings, the arrival of motorcyclists brings noise that pollutes the residential area.
Compounding the problem for residents are numerous rental bicycles that clutter walkways and create safety hazards.
Despite multiple complaints to local authorities, Roslina is frustrated by the lack of action.
“Under the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040, this area is gazetted as a residential zone,” she said.
“How can commercial activities be allowed?
“Every morning, there is rubbish everywhere and the stench is overpowering,” she said.
The 46.13ha Taman Tasik Titiwangsa is a popular recreational hub that offers an accessible escape for joggers, families and nature-lovers alike.
It is ringed by residential homes, with several landmarks such as the National Art Gallery and the National Library within walking distance.
But the lake area has recently gained notoriety as a hotspot for illegal traders.
Food stalls and trucks occupying parking bays have added to the congestion in the area.
Taman Tasik Titiwangsa Residents Association (TTTRA) committee member Ravin Binwani said a survey by the association last year found at least 50 stalls operating at spots around the park.
“It gets very noisy in the evening and the area looks like a pasar malam,” he said.
The survey, he added, was submitted to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) too.
On their part, DBKL has conducted several enforcement operations (see graphic) against illegal vendors.
In August 2020, it seized tables and chairs placed on sidewalks by illegal traders who had been issued multiple warnings.
In early 2024, it seized 14 rental “tuk-tuks” as well as 100 vehicles including bicycles and electric scooters during operations against unlicensed operators.
This was after then minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa ordered DBKL to inspect all businesses in the area.
And in February 2024, following StarMetro reports, DBKL tore down an illegal food court in Jalan Kuantan operating on government land.
However, homeowners argue these actions have done little to deter the illegal activities which continue to grow.
Cycling congestion
The primary concern for many is the surge of bicycle rental operators on Jalan Temerloh and Jalan Kuantan.
Ravin said operator numbers rose sharply after the park reopened post-Covid-19 pandemic.
“I have been hit twice by cyclists while exercising,” Ravin complained.
He said TTTRA had a meeting with City Hall two years ago to discuss the problem.
“DBKL said only 30 operators were allowed at the park and each was permitted a maximum of 50 bicycles.
“That means there could be a whopping 1,500 bicycles in the area at any one time!” Ravin lamented.
DBKL also required bicycle operators to limit their operations to the area inside the parking lot at Jalan Temerloh, he added.
However, a check found a handful of vendors were also operating on the sidewalk in Jalan Kuantan.
“The illegal vendors give us all a bad name.
“We pay RM600 in licence fees to DBKL but have to compete with those who do not,” she said.
Ravin believes DBKL can resolve the issue of illegal bicycle vendors when required.
“When the Prime Minister launched the Malaysia Cultural Festival last September, the area was cleared of bicycles days in advance.
“If they could do it then, they can do it now,” he pointed out.
Privacy and data fears
The commercialisation of the neighbourhood has also raised concerns regarding privacy and data security.
A resident, identified only as Chong, reported a neighbouring house being used as a wedding venue.
After filing complaints via the DBKL hotline and ADU@KL, he was confronted by the business owner.
“The owner found out I had filed a report and showed me screenshots of it.
“This has discouraged others from reporting issues, for fear of their details being leaked,” said Chong.
“These premises are holding various types of events, causing heavy traffic and noise from loudspeakers blaring announcements and music,” he added.
Ravin recalled an incident where private security hired by an event organiser attempted to block him from entering his own street.
“It was only after I explained that I live in the neighbourhood that I was allowed to pass.”
Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad confirmed his office was aware of the activities on Jalan Kuantan, Jalan Temerloh and Jalan Beserah.
“We have been accepting reports from residents and raising them with DBKL,” he said when contacted by StarMetro.
Nik Nazmi said a handful of bicycle vendors were licensed and allotted a specific area to do business.
“Action will be taken against those who operate without approval,” he said, adding that DBKL was making efforts to curb illegal vendors, such as conducting regular patrols and placing signboards to warn offenders.
Addressing the alleged data leak, the MP urged affected residents to contact his office or the DBKL Integrity Department.
DBKL did not respond to requests for comment by the time of publication.
Calls for firm action
New commercial projects, including a pickleball court and a pharmacy, are reportedly planned for the area, much to the consternation of the residents.
“We wonder if these activities have received official approval,” said Laif.
He said residents have been filing complaints about various issues, such as congestion and illegal traders, since 2012.
He urged DBKL to stop granting extensions to illegal operators, citing a previous case where an unauthorised food court in Jalan Kuantan remained on government land long after being ordered to vacate.
“This creates a perception that owners can build first and negotiate later,” Laif said.
“DBKL must act without fear or favour and nip these problems in the bud,” he reiterated.
