DBKL acts against walkway traders

The Star

11-05-2025

DBKL enforcement officers removing a canopy from a public walkway in Brickfields over the weekend as part of efforts to restore pedestrian access.
FOLLOWING stern directive from Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif to step up enforcement against errant traders, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has intensified operations across the city.
Over the weekend, it launched a crackdown in Brick­fields, targeting businesses that encroach onto public walkways.
Enforcement teams seized plastic tables, chairs, canopies and decorative items placed illegally along the walkways along Jalan Thambipillay and Jalan Tun Sambanthan
Eight traders were issued enforcement notices under Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 and Hawkers Licensing By-Laws (WPKL) 2016, while two others received warning notices.
Brickfields resident Ananda Kumar said, 'For too long, these traders have acted as if they own the walkways. It's high time DBKL stepped in.'
Brickfields Rukun Tetangga chair­­man SKK Naidu said, 'Tra­ders need to understand that these walkways are public spaces meant for pedestrians.
'We appreciate DBKL's action.'
Sharon Raj, a Palm Court resident, also welcomed the enforcement exercise and urged DBKL to sustain its efforts.
'I walk my children to school every morning. It's a nightmare naviga­ting obstructed walkways.'
S. Thangavelu said, 'DBKL needs to be consistent. I hope this enforcement drive will be carried out regularly.'
A DBKL officer who declined to be named said: 'We want to send a strong message. This is not a one-­­­­­off operation.
'We are committed to ensuring that public walkways are accessible and safe for everyone.'
The officer said enforcement action would be carried out in other parts of the city as part of a broader initiative to reclaim public spaces for pedestrians.
Last month, Maimunah announ­­ced the formation of a task force to clearly define permitted street dining zones in the city, aiming to curb the growing clutter on public walkways.
She said the task force would identify specific areas deemed suitable for alfresco dining – locations with ample space and minimal traffic congestion.
'For areas identified as unsuitable, tables and chairs will not be allowed,' she said, adding that DBKL would no longer tolerate the indiscriminate placement of the furniture, even by licensed eateries.
'Restaurants can apply for outdoor dining permits but only in de­­signated zones,' she added.