DEMOLITION of hawker stalls at Jalan 3/48A (near UTC Sentul) that went viral on social media is part of a “Program Lestari Niaga” redevelopment project.
Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud said it was not an exercise to terminate or relocate the hawkers.
Based on Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) records, 20 traders were still operating at the site, he said.
“Under the RM1.6mil project, 20 new hawker stalls, equipped with improved amenities, will be built,” he said.
“These include water and electricity supplies, covered dining areas, better lighting, hand-washing facilities, improved waste management systems, and infrastructure upgrades such as drainage improvements.
“The project, which began on June 15, is expected to be completed in three months with operations to start in October.”
Fadlun said each affected trader would get a special RM1,500 assistance payment a month during the construction period, subject to eligibility.
“This is the first time DBKL is introducing such a measure, replacing the previous practice of providing temporary trading sites during construction.
“Temporary sites often involve higher costs and may not draw the same number of visitors as the original locations.
“As such, City Hall opted for direct financial assistance while ensuring traders can resume operations at the same location upon the project’s completion.
“DBKL remains committed to supporting hawkers through safer, better facilities while ensuring urban development does not affect their livelihoods.”
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the government allocated RM200mil for the programme this year to provide a cleaner and safer environment for some 11,000 traders at 287 locations across Kuala Lumpur.
She said the projects’ implementation took into account the interests of affected traders, neighbouring businesses and surrounding communities.
“But we will not be able to fulfil everyone’s wishes,” she said.
Traders and residents, when met, said they were happy with the upgrading project.
Trader Mohamad Zaki Ismail said he was grateful for the project which would provide a cleaner and more organised environment to operate in.
“The stalls have been here for more than 20 years and are popular with residents. It is time the facilities are upgraded,” he said.
Persatuan Komuniti Kebajikan Blok 27 chairman Faizul Nizam Mohd Ali said residents supported the project but asked for a wall to separate the trading site from the residential area.
“The stalls are located just a few metres from the flats,” he said.
