DBKL suspends wheel clamps pending review

KL City Hall (DBKL) has suspended the use of car wheel clamps and the charging of grease trap maintenance fees with immediate effect pending a review.

It has also cancelled all previous contracts for the repainting of public housing apartment blocks in the capital.

This was communicated by KL mayor Mohd Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz in a meeting with KL MPs this morning.

Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai said he applauded Amin’s decisions.

“Among the good news we received were that concessions for private car parking spaces and the clamping of car wheels will be reviewed. Clamping will be stopped in the meantime.

“Grease trap maintenance fees, which costs all restaurants RM1,500 a year, will also be suspended pending a review.

“This fee is something we have received many complaints about. Many have told us that the fee is unfair because it is more expensive than premise license renewal fees and signboard licenses,” he said at the DBKL headquarters today.

Tan, who is also DAP national chairperson, added that business owners who were previously barred from renewing their licenses due to failing to pay the fee were now able to do so.

DBKL implemented the fee in Jan last year, spurring a slew of complaints from business owners.

According to Tan, however, Amin did not indicate a deadline for these suspensions.

Repainting contracts cancelled

Tan (photo) said that the mayor also informed MPs that DBKL's previous contracts with 10 companies tasked with repainting public housing blocks in Kuala Lumpur have been cancelled.

“These contractors were appointed directly without open tender for a deal that cost RM180 million.

“These 10 contractors were the same contractors previously appointed to undertake renovations for DBKL offices.

“We were told these contracts have been cancelled completely,” he said.

Malaysiakini understands that ongoing painting projects will be completed before the cancellation.

Amin has been contacted for additional comment.

In their first official meeting with the mayor since Pakatan Harapan formed the federal government, all KL MPs were present, save for Putrajaya MP Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and Titiwangsa MP Rina Harun.

Rina, who is also the rural development minister, had attended the weekly cabinet meeting in Putrajaya instead. - Mkini