DBKU taking stern action against stalls operating on five-foot ways

KUCHING: Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) is coming down hard on errant food operators who still continue to set up their stalls along five-foot ways despite being notified not to do so since last October.

Out of the 337 premises identified doing so, 60 are still putting up their stalls along the five-foot way despite the notice; hence the commission held a site visit to issue notices to the operators yesterday, said DBKU deputy director Dr Morshidi Ahmad during a media briefing before carrying out an inspection around Jalan Rubber.

The notice explained that each premises are given three months to ensure that cooking or food preparation are not done on the five-foot way, he said.

“We do this because it is dangerous for customers to eat at these premises, especially children. Cooking on the five-foot way is dangerous especially if hot oil or hot water spills. Those who have abided and brought in the stalls, we thank them very much.

“We compromised to allow the five-foot way to be used to put tables and chairs for customers to enjoy their meal but not cooking. But to put tables and chairs they need to apply for permit of RM30 per table per quarter (year).”

The prohibition is in line with Item 26 (2) (a) of the Local Authorities (Cleanliness) ByLaws 1999 which states that any cooking or food preparation on the five-foot way is prohibited. This is to ensure the cleanliness of the premises and food safety.

Those who break the by-law are liable to be fined RM1,500 for the first offence, RM3,000 for subsequent offence or jailed nine months, or both.

As a start, DBKU is taking soft enforcement approach by issuing notices first, following which stern action such as issuing a compound and seizure will be taken against the premises if they did not comply, he said.

Asked on stalls that grill food outside, Morshidi said the Innovation and Creative Team will find out how best to tackle that, such as ensuring that smoke emanating from the grill will not cause discomfort to patrons.

On premises using parking spaces for business, he said tables are allowed after 6pm with permit, but prior to issuing the permit, the commission will ensure that the spot is safe, secluded from high speed traffic.