DBKL takes action against foreign traders

TWENTY-TWO foreign traders operating illegally in several areas in Kuala Lumpur had their items confiscated during two separate operations by the local authority.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) in an operation outside Pasar Borong Kuala Lumpur in Selayang seized items from 15 foreign traders for trading without a licence.

“Compound notices were also issued to seven premises owners for various offences including causing obstruction in a public place, operating without a licence and employing assistants without approval.

“Action was taken under Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 and Trades, Businesses and Industries Licensing of the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur (WPKL) 2016 By-laws,” DBKL said in a statement.

The operation was carried out on wholesalers selling vegetables, fruits and sundry goods around Jalan 1/3a, Jalan 6/3a and Jalan Batu Hampar in Pusat Bandar Utara.

DBKL officers carting away seized items from illegal traders outside Pasar Borong Kuala Lumpur in Selayang (left). — Photos courtesy of DBKL

In a city centre operation, seven traders selling used items, food and betel leaf had their belongings seized.

Action was carried out at Pasar Karat in Chinatown, Jalan Petaling and Jalan Tun Tan Siew Sin.

“DBKL also issued two compound notices to local traders for operating without a valid licence.

“Enforcement will continue to ensure that all Pasar Karat traders are operating at the new location next to Lee Lam Thye Market at Lorong Bandar 21,” it said in the statement.

Items confiscated during the two operations were sent to the DBKL storage facility in Taman Miharja, Kuala Lumpur for processing and documentation.

On Jan 16, StarMetro reported that DBKL had issued an eviction notice on Oct 18, 2023 to traders to vacate the back lanes of Lorong Petaling on grounds of fire safety.

DBKL had received complaints from stakeholders that fire engines had difficulty accessing the back lanes as traders were occupying the space.