DBKL committed to curb presence of foreign hawkers

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 -- The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is committed to enforcing the existing by-laws to prevent foreign hawkers from operating in the capital.

Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan in a statement said that the enforcement also involved other agencies such as the Malaysian Immigration Department.

"The influx of foreign traders, especially in the sectors related to trade, business & industry and hawker stalls has negatively impacted local businessmen and tarnished the image of the city of Kuala Lumpur," he said.

Nor Hisham said the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur (WPKL) governed by DBKL had two categories of business activities under its by-laws, and acknowledged it had caused some confusion among the public on the involvement of foreigners in the sector.

He said under the by-laws for trade, business and industry licensing as well as food premises in the capital, licence holders were allowed to employ foreign workers with valid permits, while foreigners were also allowed to apply for such licences to operate at premises such as shophouses, shopping complexes, office buildings, restaurants, sundry and convenience shops.

Meanwhile, he said hawker stalls fell under the by-laws for wholesale markets, and licensing for hawker and market stalls, where only locals were permitted to apply for such operating licences.

In any case, he said it was the sole discretion of the mayor to accept or reject any application, while referring to current government policies, guidelines and other relevant legislation.

-- BERNAMA