AMPANG Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) shut down 16 business premises in Pandan Indah during an enforcement operation targeting licensing breaches and other business- related offences.
The crackdown focused on compliance with licensing conditions and business regulations, including the employment of foreign workers without valid permits.
MPAJ in a media statement said the operation followed a viral social media video claiming foreigners were operating businesses in the area.
“Of the 16 premises inspected, 12 had breached their licensing conditions by employing foreign workers without valid permits.
“Enforcement action also resulted in 16 seizures and closure of the premises,” said MPAJ.
The local council also issued four notices for building-related offences and dismantled two unauthorised iron structures built on public land.
A three-wheeled motorcycle was also seized for obstructing a public area.
All seized items were taken to the MPAJ depot in Pandan Indah for further action.
MPAJ said the operation also targeted businesses operating without valid licences, including sundry shops, tailoring shops and tyre shops.
“Premises operating without licences were immediately ordered to close, and business items were seized.
“The cases will be brought to court for further action,” the municipal council stated.
Operators found breaching licensing conditions involving foreign workers or obstructing public areas were also issued compounds under relevant laws.
The enforcement action was carried out under the Food Establishments By-Laws (MPAJ) 2007, Trade, Business and Industrial Licensing By-Laws (MPAJ) 2007, and Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133).
Meanwhile, several social media users urged MPAJ to take action against local licence holders allegedly renting out their business licences to foreign operators.
One post claimed that many shops along a row of premises in Bandar Baru Ampang were also being run by foreign nationals.
“As usual, locals hold the business licences to mislead enforcement officers,” the user claimed.
Another post urged local authorities to revoke the licences of Malaysians acting as nominees for foreign operators.
One user praised MPAJ’s enforcement action and called for tougher action against those involved.
“Well done, MPAJ. Prosecute and penalise licence holders who lend their licences to foreign operators, as well as shop owners who rent out their premises to foreigners,” he said.
MPAJ said enforcement would continue to ensure business operators complied with licensing rules and the law, and that commercial activities in Ampang Jaya municipality remained orderly and responsible.
