ONLY four out of 70 operators offering recreational activities along Sungai Kemensah in Selangor, have secured temporary business licences, missing the April 30 deadline to regularise their services.
Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) carried out a census in 2024 which revealed that every business operating in Kampung Kemensah, Hulu Kelang, was unlicensed.
MPAJ deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari (pic) said that while five further applications had been approved pending payment and eight remained under consideration, the vast majority of operators have yet to legalise their status.
The temporary licence fee, which exceeds RM1,000 depending on the activity, is part of a move to regulate the riverside.
Of the 70 businesses identified, 37 sit on government land while 33 occupy a private land owned by one individual.
“All applications so far are from those operating on government land,” Hasrolnizam said during a press conference following the MPAJ full board meeting.
“Those operators on private land have yet to submit their applications, mainly due to land-related issues.”
He said MPAJ had held multiple engagements with stakeholders, and the private landowner had been notified to provide formal consent for the activities.
Hasrolnizam warned that if consent was withheld, the owner must clear the premises as the site was designated strictly for agricultural use.
“The onus is on the landowner to take care of his land,” he said.
“For businesses operating on private land without a temporary business licence, action will be taken against the landowner.
“As for those operating on government land, action will be taken against the operators.”
Enforcement measures include the potential closure of premises.
The temporary licences are valid for three years, during which operators must meet specific requirements to transition to a full business licence.
StarMetro, in an article on Jan 31 titled “Temporary permits for Sg Kemensah businesses”, reported that the issuance of temporary licences was to regulate riverside recreational and commercial activities and formalise management within the Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark.
Hasrolnizam was quoted saying that the move was intended to support geopark development and local tourism, boost the local and state economy, increase non-tax revenue for MPAJ and enhance the image and credibility of the local council.
Separately, the municipal council concluded its assessment tax payment campaign with a lucky draw for 4,433 eligible account holders.
Prizes worth almost RM200,000 were awarded, including folding bicycles, laptops and a grand prize of an electric car.
To qualify, residents must not have any outstanding arrears and have settled their 2026 taxes via MPAJ’s mobile application by the end of February.
