DBKL’s free trade zone initiative extended to June

 

Kuala Lumpur residents are unhappy over the six-month extension given to roadside hawkers, especially those operating near housing areas. — Filepic

KUALA Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has extended the Wilayah Bebas Berniaga (Free Trade Zone) initiative for another six months, making it the fourth extension to date.

A DBKL spokesperson said the initiative would continue until end of June.

“We are reviewing the locations and will share details later,’’ he said.

The announcement on the extension is generating mixed feelings as traders involved rejoice while residents and business owners are not too happy.

Introduced on Nov 10, 2020, by the then Federal Territories ministry Tan Sri Annuar Musa and DBKL during the movement control order, the initiative was to help the B40 group earn a living during the Covid-19 pandemic.

DBKL identified suitable areas for mobile traders to pitch their roadside stalls, food trucks and tricycles with the condition that they clean up and clear off by the end of the trading day.

Over 5,000 licences have been issued in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan but DBKL has been criticised for failing to manage the situation, leading to complaints.

City residents claimed that the free trade zone hawkers were causing obstruction, congestion and did not dispose of rubbish properly.

“I was told that they are not allowed to cook at their stalls but they are doing it,” said Bukit Jalil resident K. Malar, 35.

“Fumes from the stove blow into my house and oil splatters into drains.”

Taman Sungai Besi resident Ramli Ahmad said traders operating near his house often leave cooking utensils, chairs, tables and even canopies behind.

“It’s an eyesore seeing this daily.How can we becomes a developed nation with scenes like this?’’ he asked.

A business owner who did not want to be named, said it was unfair that roadside traders only paid the bare minimum to operate in front of his shop in Sri Petaling while he has to fork out money for multiple taxes and licensing fees.

“I understand this was a rice bowl situation when it was introduced but allowing it to continue indefinitely is unfair to those with legitimate businesses,’’ he added.

However, roadside hawkers interviewed by StarMetro are grateful to DBKL for the opportunity to continue earning a living.

“I am thankful to be able to earn money after losing my job in 2021,’’ said Fatimah Juri, 41, from Kampung Baru.

A goreng pisang and Malay kuih hawker, Fatimah said she was able to pay her rent and children’s school fees since opening her stall.

Another trader selling masala tea in Brickfields, who only identified himself as Kumar, said he knew that some were opposed to him operating his stall on the five-foot way.

“But doing this helps me feed my family,’’ he added. — By BAVANI M, Star