KUALA Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is awaiting the green light from the Federal Territories Land and Mines Office (PTG) to demolish Jamal Md Yunos’ restaurant.

Mayor Mhd Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz said DBKL will assist PTG after clearance is given for the demolition of Restoran Gabungan NGO 1Malaysia in Jalan Pahang.

“We will take action when we get the directive from PTG,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

“So far, we have not received any letter or instructions from PTG.”

PTG this month issued an eviction notice, stating that the restaurant is “squatting” on public land.

Jamal, who is Sungai Besar Umno chief, has until Monday to vacate the premises, failing which he faces a fine of up to RM500,000 and a maximum five-year jail term.

Amin said demolition plans will be made as soon as DBKL gets the go-ahead.

“They (the restaurant) have been operating illegally on PTG land, and they (PTG) have issued a notice. So, by right, they (the restaurant) have to move.

“When we carry out enforcement, PTG will be present.”

Jamal has pleaded with PTG to postpone its plans to demolish the eatery, which has been operating since last October.

“We are asking for a postponement on the basis that we are in the process of finding a new location to shift all the restaurant’s equipment,” he said in a statement.

“All our staff are also on leave for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which falls on Friday.”

He said the restaurant was opened with the aim of giving free lunch to residents, to ease their financial burden.

“Our party has never taken any profit during the restaurant’s operations.

“I hope that the authorities will look into our request.” – June 13, 2018.