5 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Desa Pandan stalls will not be demolished, says Johari
Titiwangsa MP Johari Ghani, federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa (right), and Kuala Lumpur mayor Maimunah Sharif (third from right) at the bridge leading to the site of the Desa Pandan hawker stalls.
KUALA LUMPUR : The planned demolition of hawker stalls at Desa Pandan has been called off following a decision by Kuala Lumpur mayor Maimunah Sharif and federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa, said Titiwangsa MP Johari Ghani.
Johari, who is also the plantation and commodities minister, said the stalls will be reorganised and licensed, provided the operators comply with the new layout guidelines.
He said the road-widening project will proceed as planned.
'The mayor has informed that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will carry out enforcement action if the hawkers start placing tables and chairs along the roadside, as it will be a problem.
'Action will be taken not only through the confiscation of tables and chairs, but also through the possible revocation of licences,' he said at a press conference in Desa Pandan, where Maimunah and Zaliha were also present.
The press conference was held following a meeting between Johari's office, DBKL and the minister.
Last week, police arrested a 43-year-old man after he brandished a parang at DBKL officers during an operation to demolish the stalls on Jalan 2/76.
DBKL explained that it had ordered hawkers to vacate the site in January to carry out road works and upgrade facilities, with a final notice issued on July 4.
It also said it had engaged and informed the stakeholders, including the hawkers and their associations, of its plans.
Subsequently, Johari urged DBKL to review its plan to demolish the stalls for the road-widening project, noting that the affected stretch was an internal road and that the hawkers had been operating legally there for many years.
Today, he acknowledged that it is essential for the road-widening project to proceed to ensure the safety of nearby residents and passing vehicles.
'We do intend to expand the road, so we should give the mayor the opportunity to determine how best to do that.
'This road definitely needs to be widened; there's no choice if we want a more comfortable and accessible space,' he said.
Zaliha said a meeting will be held soon for the authorities to further discuss the next steps for the road-widening project and the closure of a nearby bridge leading to the area.
'We need to come up with a win-win solution leading to better outcomes for all the stakeholders.' she said.
