FROM Sept 1, traders in Petaling Jaya Old Town, in Selangor, can apply for temporary business licences under the city council’s white-listing initiative.
Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran said 202 businesses operating from residential-zoned properties in PJ Old Town would be allowed to apply for temporary licences, which must be renewed every six months.
“These businesses are located along main roads and are not in the middle of residential neighbourhoods.
“Some of them have been operating since the 1960s but were unable to apply for business licences because their premises are located in areas zoned for residential use.
“However, businesses applying for the temporary licence must undertake not to carry out any further renovations to their premises.
“If they are operating food and beverage businesses, they must maintain strict hygiene standards or their licence will be revoked.
“Those who wish to permanently convert their residential properties into commercial lots must apply for planning approval from Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ),” he said.
Rajiv added that the white-listing initiative is only applicable to existing businesses.
“MBPJ has identified the 202 businesses and they are welcome to apply for temporary licences.
“There is no longer any excuse for them not to obtain a licence,” he said after visiting several business premises in the area.
Rajiv said businesses would not be required to demolish their existing renovations unless they had encroached onto public roads.
He added that homeowners would also not be required to convert the land use, which could be financially burdensome for many.
Electrical shop owner Loh Fung Yee, who has been operating in PJ Old Town for more than a decade, said she looked forward to submitting her licence application.
“About twice a year, MBPJ officers would issue us summonses, and the fine can be as high as RM1,000 each time.
“I am looking forward to applying because I want to comply with the requirements.
“This will save us from constantly worrying about summonses.
“I also attended an MBPJ briefing on the matter to better understand the application process,” said Loh.
The premises where she operates her business is rented from a homeowner.
She said the location was strategic, making it an ideal place to operate her business.
Section 1 Rukun Tetangga chairman Kok Kuan Yong welcomed the white-listing initiative, as it would benefit both businesses and the neighbourhood.
“Business owners here have been asking for this for a long time.
“Some of these businesses have been around since the 1960s.
“Most of them are retail outlets or in the food and beverage business,” said Kok.
MBPJ councillor Tan Wei Kiat, who was also present, urged businesses to take advantage of the opportunity to apply.
