COMMUNITY advocates are calling for full transparency over the Lestari Niaga@Kuala Lumpur facelift of 287 hawker sites, warning that vague guidelines are leaving street vendors in the dark.
They urge Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to publish clear operating procedures and selection criteria for the programme.
ALSO READ: KL traders face upgrade limbo
Kuala Lumpur Residents Action for Sustainable Development Association honorary secretary Joshua Low said affected traders were receiving information bit by bit from various sources.
“Traders are getting information through DBKL statements and press conferences, as well as parliamentary questions raised by MPs,” he said.
“While the initiative to address unlicensed and disorganised hawking is commendable, DBKL should release documents detailing the programme’s scope, implementation process, selection criteria and technical guidelines.”
Low also urged DBKL to move traders to suitable locations or existing DBKL facilities if their current sites were unsuitable, especially in cases where stalls obstructed drains.
He said some traders were concerned about their businesses being downsized to accommodate measures to address drain obstructions.
“Traders should also be allowed to continue operating at DBKL facilities such as food courts during construction of their new stalls to safeguard their livelihoods,” he added.
Pertubuhan Usahawan dan Niaga Anak Kuala Lumpur adviser Andre Lai is also urging DBKL to encourage traders to move into vacant lots at its food courts, as roadside stalls were no longer viable.
“Roads in Kuala Lumpur have high traffic volume.
“DBKL should encourage new traders to take up lots in its food courts.
“There are many vacant lots in areas such as Wangsa Maju and Brickfields,” he said.
Lai also urged DBKL to strengthen monitoring implementation processes relating to Lestari Niaga@Kuala Lumpur to avoid abuse.
“DBKL must ensure that no one takes advantage of the system and displace the original traders,” he said.
