Authorities urged to act against foreign traders

KUALA LUMPUR: Local authorities should increase monitoring following sightings of foreigners erecting illegal tents along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Masjid India to trade, says Hawkers and Petty Traders Association of Malaysia.

Its president Datuk Rosli Sulaiman said he received complaints from local traders that foreigners were illegally trading in goods such as tudung and cloth at both areas.

“This is unfair to traders, who have been relocated to the new Ramadan bazaar site in Jalan Raja,” he said when contacted.

Rosli claimed that there were tents set up behind the shops along Lorong Masjid India at night and run by foreigners.

“Where is the commitment by Kuala Lumpur City Hall to increase enforcement to take action against illegal traders?

“They are now doing it openly especially at night. We hope action will be taken,” he said.

Recently, Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan cautioned traders against illegally “opening” new trading sites, and that enforcement and legal action would be taken.

Commenting on the site in Jalan Raja, Rosli said many people had complained about the congestion in the area, especially at night.

“There are too many traders in a small area and I hope the authorities can do something about it.

“We expect more people as Hari Raya is fast approaching,” he said.

Rosli also urged the local authorities not to issue summons to those who parked by the roadside.

“As long as they do not block the road, the local authorities should not take action,” he said.