PETALING Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has built a modern entrepreneur hub to reorganise unlicensed traders around Jalan Cecawi 6/19A, Kota Damansara, Selangor.
Built at a cost of RM4.43mil, The Pod @ PJ D’Cecawi Entrepreneur Development Complex is MBPJ’s long-term solution to address the issue of close to 60 unlicensed hawkers in Section 6, Kota Damansara area since 2020, MBPJ’s Corporate Communications Unit said in a statement.
“In addition to providing micro-entrepreneurs with a more comfortable, organised and systematic business space, this initiative also addresses the issue of illegal waste disposal, reduces traffic congestion and improves the quality of the urban environment,” MBPJ said.
Then Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohamad Zahri Samingon unveiled the 27,284sq ft complex.
Also present were Kota Damansara assemblyman Muhammad Izuan Ahmad Kasim, Petaling Jaya deputy mayor Sharinaz Samsudin and MBPJ councillor Mohd Ikhshan Mohamad Din.
MBPJ said the complex was a strategic move in empowering the development of micro-entrepreneurs through the provision of a more modern and conducive business infrastructure.
“Apart from regulating hawker activities more systematically, this project also helps reduce pollution of public drains, improves hygiene levels and streamlines the business landscape in Kota Damansara,” MBPJ said.
The complex houses 32 units of dine-in stalls, each measuring 144 sq ft in size.
Another 25 units of takeaway food stalls, each measuring 10 ft by 10 ft, are still under construction.
This reorganisation is expected to benefit traders by providing a more comfortable and structured business environment, while enabling MBPJ to generate an estimated RM150,000 annual revenue through licence collection, stall rental and parking facilities.
Apart from business facilities, the complex is also equipped with a recycling centre, disabled- friendly toilets and surau, a children’s play area and green building elements.
The provision of a children’s play area also supports Petaling Jaya’s aspiration as a Child Friendly City by providing a more inclusive, safe and conducive public space for families, MBPJ said.
“The development of The Pod @ PJ D’Cecawi is part of MBPJ’s continuous efforts in creating a more sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem, thus improving the well-being of the local community,” Mohamad Zahri said in his speech.
“This complex offers a comprehensive solution to the issue of unlicensed hawkers through a more structured, inclusive and sustainable approach.
“MBPJ is committed to ensuring that every development implemented not only improves the economic status of the community, but also creates a cleaner, safer and better quality urban environment.”
Mohamad Zahri served as mayor until July 31.
He was posted to the Human Resources Ministry as the Human Resources Department director-general effective Aug 3.
The hub is expected to open to the public in September.
