THE authorities should carry out monthly checks on entertainment outlets in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, to prevent fights and other criminal activities, the area’s food and beverage veteran Ronald Quay said.

The Bangsar Business Council spokesperson hoped the authorities would come and check the area once a month to clamp down on outlets that are not following the guidelines.

Quay, who is also the owner of Ronnie Q’s Restaurant and Bar, which has been in operation for 30 years, said any outlet flouting the law must be issued an immediate summons.

“The problem now is that it (enforcement) is not carried out regularly. This issue has been going on for years.

“If they (outlets) have no licences, then shut them down on the spot,” Quay told The Malaysian Insight.

Quay was commenting on calls for stricter enforcement of the law in the area.

Meanwhile, residents said they have had to put up with illegal parking outside their homes, noise pollution and brawls in the vicinity of popular restaurants and pubs.

Bukit Bandaraya Residents Association adviser M. Ali previously told The Malaysian Insight that the entertainment hub needed attention because the safety of residents was at stake.

“We are concerned. Some residents don’t want to visit the Telawi area, especially families.

“They are concerned about safety after news of brawls,” he said.

Quay noted that the problem would not go away without consistent and constant enforcement by the law.

He said that all they wanted was proper enforcement over haphazard parking and brawls, while everyone must have licences and follow rules on opening and closing times, and noise pollution.

“We understand the authorities have carried out raids, but what has happened so far…?

“We just want better enforcement and for everyone to follow the rules. If they (outlets) are supposed to close at 2am then they should do so, not still be open past 3am.”

Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil visited the area recently following the posting of a video of a shouting match between nightclub patrons.

He also viewed a video of more than 100 people arrested at a packed venue where social distancing was not observed.

“Rowdy pub and club patrons spill onto the streets. We have seen fights, even deaths. Overcrowded spaces are a Covid-19 threat. This must stop,” Fahmi tweeted.

In another tweet, Fahmi said some of the fights were alcohol-induced and that this was acknowledged by the club owners.

However, the PKR lawmaker also added that “most (outlets) are OK with no serious problems”, adding that the problems caused by the few was tarnishing the reputation of the entire area.

In March last year, a man was killed while another was badly injured in a fight on Jalan Telawi 3.

Fahmi also agreed that many residents felt the Bangsar Baru area was no longer safe. – April 14, 2022.

Some businesses have become concerned that Bangsar’s reputation is scaring away families, saying that violent and aggressive behaviour is on the rise. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, April 14, 2022.