PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim today said the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will revoke the licences of traders who lease them to third parties like foreigners.

He said the government and DBKL are looking into methods to ensure local traders comply with regulations.

“Along with the (KL) mayor and its directors, I have plans on how to ensure (traders and hawkers) abide by regulations and for licences to be issued to (only) locals.

“If they (traders and hawkers) hand over licences to others, we will revoke them,” he told reporters after a meet-and-greet session at the Madani Hawker Centre on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman today.

Also present was KL Mayor Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh.

The prime minister reiterated his commitment to upgrade Kuala Lumpur’s facilities and image, including hawker stalls, for the people’s comfort.

He said there were several areas where drainage and roofing will be fixed by this year.

Anwar prior to this had said local authorities, especially in urban areas, must provide comfortable infrastructure facilities to hawkers and petty traders so they can conduct business in a conducive environment.

He said proper facilities were important as hawkers and traders also contribute to the national economy.

Earlier, Anwar spent about 40 minutes mingling with traders at the Madani Hawker Centre, which has since been upgraded through the Lestari Niaga @ Kuala Lumpur.

The initiative aims to upgrade existing petty trader and hawker stalls in the Federal Territories so they are more conducive and comfortable.

The hawker centre was built in 1974 with 20 stall lots. It was upgraded last March. – Bernama, June 15, 2023.