ABOUT 100 petty traders in Bandar Sg Buloh, Selangor are upset with the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) for tearing down their stalls, depriving them of income.

They said it was unfair, given they were facing an economic hardship due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Bandar Baru Sg Buloh petty traders representative Afifi Zaidi told The Malaysian Insight that, while they were operating without licences, they were still hoping for some goodwill from the authorities.

He also said they failed to understand why the local authority did not consult them first before taking action.

“We were given notices and we do admit that it is an offence to do business without a permit, but we have applied for permits many times before without success.

“We do not want to dispute that, but the main issue is that we are affected by the economy and can’t do business,” he said.

Afifi said MBSA targeted unlicensed traders and owners or tenants of business premises who had renovated the buildings.

He said that MBSA started taking apart stalls ahead of its own 24-hour deadline.

“There is also a factory here and we are doing business in front of the factory, which has a permit, but due to the additional ‘awning’ on the building structure, it was also totally demolished.

“Then my container-style food stall was also demolished. MBSA gave us 24 hours but this morning they came and demolished my stall.

“I want to remove my container but the lorry driver could only come at 3pm.”

MBSA began a massive sweep of illegal trading in Sungai Buloh last week, following a disclosure by a burger trader of illegal cigarette smuggling and gambling in the area.

The trader alleged corruption on the part of the authorities allowed foreign nationals to sell contraband cigarettes, while his burger stall was demolished by the authorities.

Several MBSA enforcement officers have since been detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigating the allegations.

Meanwhile, the sweep has also been criticised by many hawkers in the area.

Afifi said the traders will have a meeting with Shah Alam mayor Haris Kasim tomorrow.

However, he added the traders did not understand why it was only now MBSA wanted to talk to them.

“We are upset that action was taken before talks. If, after the talks the traders don’t comply, then they can take action.

“We don’t understand MBSA’s procedures. If they want to show that they are clean by carrying out the operations against traders, then might as well ask MACC to audit them.

“Why do the traders have to be affected by this?”

Afifi said the traders hoped the mayor would provide a solution, especially on the approval of permits. – August 16, 2020.