MPPD gets tough on canopies, wants to restore PD’s image

They’ve got to go: Putting up the pasar malam-like blue canopies along beach stretches in Port Dickson has earned the wrath of holidaymakers who claim that this has denied them access to public areas, as seen in this file photo.

PORT DICKSON: The decision to rid the beaches here of “row upon row” of blue, pasar malam-like canopies for rent is to restore the image of Port Dickson as being among the country’s premier beach destinations, says state exco member J. Arul Kumar.

The state local government development, housing and transportation committee chairman said the Port Dickson Municipal Council (MPPD) had to take drastic action following countless complaints from beachgoers.

“The MPPD held talks with the traders who have been putting up these canopies for some time now to find an amicable solution.

“We will soon provide them with designated spots where they can put these canopies up and, this time, it will be done according to our rules,” he said when contacted.

Arul was commenting on a move by MPPD ordering traders to stop putting up the canopies from Nov 18.

A notice signed by MPPD president Hasnor Abd Hamid has since gone viral.

In the notice, Hasnor said the haphazard set-up of such canopies had dented the image of the resort town as a tourist destination.

He said this was made worse by some traders who “chased away” beachgoers from public areas.

Hasnor said apart from Pantai Telok Kemang, such activities would also be banned at Pantai Tanjung Biru and Pantai Cermin.

If they continue to put up canopies, they will be violating Section 46 of the Streets, Drainage, and Building Act 1974 and could be fined not more than RM500 for each offence.

The MPPD, he said, would seize canopies, tables, chairs, and any other related items if the traders continued to violate the rule.

In recent years, social media has been flooded with complaints from beachgoers about how traders “took control” of public areas by putting up the canopies, with some saying the resort town resembled a pasar tani town.

Many shared stories of how they were forced to vacate certain public areas by the traders who had claimed “ownership” of such spots.

They claimed that they were required to pay around RM50 for a canopy with a table and a few chairs.

Those driving along Jalan Pantai had also often complained about how these blue canopies blocked their view of the beautiful beaches, and that the traders had no right to do so.

It is learnt that many of these traders are involved in beach and tourism-related businesses.

Arul Kumar said some of these traders have failed to stick to a previous understanding with the authorities where they were told that they could only put the tents up if requested by beachgoers. These tents also had to be dismantled the moment the renters left.

Arul Kumar said there were 44 traders operating along Pantai Telok Kemang alone and the MPPD would soon announce details on where they could operate along the stretch.

“We do not want to make it difficult for them as we plan to legalise their business. At the same time, we have to also protect beachgoers and ensure they have access to public areas,” he said, adding that the traders could not be allowed to continue to dominate the beach stretches as this would drive tourists away.