If it’s illegal ... it’s gone

 

Not permitted: MBPP taking action against illegal businesses, demolishing shacks and seizing equipment from food stalls, grocery shops and car washes. — Photo courtesy of Penang Island City Council

GEORGE TOWN: These are restless days for some of the thousands of small businesses here because city council enforcers with chainsaws, angle grinders and sledgehammers are out in the field daily.

The enforcement blitz that started early this year has kept business owners on their toes, since even eateries putting tables and chairs on five-foot ways at night find their furniture confiscated with no chance of getting them back.

Over 50 illegally built business premises have been torn down and more than 800 other illegal structures are on Penang Island City Council’s (MBPP) radar in a major crackdown not seen in years.

A check on social media channels shows that many local governments nationwide have recently practised a stricter level of enforcement, but a source in MBPP said this was not a crackdown by the Federal Government.

“We received no directive from the Housing and Local Government Ministry.

“We needed to take action as too many stalls are cropping up illegally and they present issues of public safety and traffic, that erode the quality of life of locals,” said the source.

These businesses such as car wash outlets, eateries or grocery stores get their structures torn down and every piece of equipment taken away for good.

Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has been sharing photos of the frequent demolitions and confiscations on social media, and many Penangites are publicly praising the stern measures.

MBPP’s rule is that offenders who have their equipment and furniture confiscated the third time will never be able to get them back even after paying the fines, while foreigners would have their things confiscated permanently on the first offence.

“It’s simple – if you want to start a business, build a structure or extend your premises, apply for licences and submit plans. If not, we’ll demolish the structures and confiscate the equipment,” warned MBPP public health and licensing committee alternate chairman Tan Soo Siang.

She said MBPP had torn down 51 illegal structures since January, 15 of which were operated by foreigners.

Illegal businesses operated by foreigners were removed swiftly, while locals were usually offered alternatives before facing demolition and seizures, she said.

MBPP now deploys 30 to 40 enforcement officers daily who are prepared to dismantle illegal structures across the island.

While major demolitions occur once or twice a week, smaller actions such as seizures and forced relocations take place daily.

“We’ve already cleared Macalister Road of illegal stalls and are now targeting areas like Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi, Air Itam, and Bayan Baru.”

There is just one exception: some petty traders by roadsides possess a “yellow tag” which allows them to operate.

Introduced in 2008 when Pakatan Rakyat took over the government, the “yellow card” system legitimises those traders.

Those who received this card are allowed to remain at their current locations, provided they have valid business licences.

“These traders will not be removed unless development requires relocation, in which case we offer them spots at nearby food courts or council markets.

“People often assume we ignore long-time petty traders but it is really because they obtained their yellow tags years ago.”

Tan clarified that foreigners are allowed to work in mini-markets, shops, and food outlets if they are legal workers.

However, hawker food must be prepared by locals, and all food handlers – foreign or local – must have anti-typhoid vaccinations. - Star