KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur City Hall's Enforcement Department conducted a crackdown on foreign traders operating around Petaling Street yesterday.
In a Facebook post, City Hall said the crackdown was based on information and previous inspections, where it uncovered foreign nationals, particularly Bangladeshi, engaging in business activities in Petaling Street and Jalan Hang Lekir.
These activities were centred around licensed stalls and kiosks, originally designated for local traders, but now controlled by foreign nationals with the original owners having leased ("ali baba licence") to third parties.
City Hall officers and enforcement personnel raided the identified location and seized goods from six Bangladeshi 'traders' selling items such as accessories, clothes, belts, bags, phone accessories and shoes.
A compound was issued under the Hawker Licensing Act (WPKL) 2016 to a local stall owner who appointed foreign assistants without permission.
Enforcement action was carried out under the Trade Licensing Act, Business and Industry (WPKL) 2016 and the Roads, Drains and Buildings Act 1974.
"City Hall would issue instructions to revoke business licences to the original owners who have violated the conditions, including blacklisting their names."
Meanwhile, similar enforcement operations were also conducted at flea markets in Lorong Bandar 22 and Lorong Bandar 19, Jalan Sultan and Jalan Tun H.S. Lee.
Out of four seizures made at the locations, two involved Bangladeshi nationals, while another two managed to flee during the investigations.
"City Hall issued stern warnings to local flea market traders who employed foreign assistants, urging them to cease such practices immediately. Should the violations persist, authorities would not hesitate to impose fines and seize goods."
