Stalls demolished belonged to foreigners, not Malays, says rep

Bersatu Teluk Bahang assemblyperson Zolkifly Mohd Lazim (above) is upset over accusations that he did not defend Malay hawkers resulting in their stalls being demolished by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).

Zolkifly said he was equally disappointed with claims that the Pakatan Harapan government in Penang oppressed the Malays and allowed their businesses to be disrupted.

He said the allegations were to give Bersatu "a bad name" ahead of the Semenyih by-election for which nomination day is this Saturday with polling on March 2.

"I would like to emphasise that the illegal stalls which were demolished were run by Thais and Malays," said Zolkifly when met in George Town.

"Local hawkers, including the Malays, need to apply for a license to run their shops and they have to pay for the license to do business and also obtain a license for their premises," Zolkifly added.

"Do ask the Thais, who did they pay the 40,000 Thai baht (RM5, 200) to?" he asked.

Zolkifly was responding to social media posts that three stalls were demolished in Teluk Bahang by the MBPP on Feb 11 at about 11am as they had no licenses to operate.

The incident resulted in a fight between the hawkers and MBPP personnel. A police report has been lodged on the matter.

Zolkifly said investigations into the incident revealed that the stalls owned by a local businessman were rented out to a Thai trader.

However, the stalls did not obtain approval from the South West District Land office, said Zolkifly.

Action to be taken

He said the authorities have now identified two locations for traders to run their businesses in Teluk Bahang.

The District Land Office has been notified while traders who have applied for the premises from the MBPP would soon be called in for an interview, he added.

"But we are also looking into what action to take on illegal premises and businesses run by foreigners," he said.

"Now where are the Umno representatives who want to defend an illegal business?

"Do they know that the Malays are not as rich as the Thais who can do business in this country but not pay a sen to the state government?" he questioned. - Mkini