A JOINT enforcement initiative between Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) will be launched in a major bid to tackle the persistent issue of unauthorised foreign traders.
Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud said a meeting with MPS would be held next week to coordinate integrated action.
He said the issue was discussed at a Special Task Force on Public Sector Agency Reform (STAR) meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary to the Government.
"Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed for strengthened enforcement in areas with high numbers of foreign traders," he said at a press conference after an AED handover at Balai Bomba Sri Hartamas on Thursday (June 11).
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the issue of foreign traders was often raised in Parliament.
She said DBKL's powers were limited to licensing matters and seizure of goods sold illegally.
"DBKL cannot arrest foreigners and can only deal with licensing issues.
"Arrests requires coordination and action by the Home Ministry," she said.
Yeoh said integrated operations involving other ministries and agencies, including Immigration, were necessary to ensure effective enforcement.
