IT’S a common sight in Malaysia. Tables and chairs – even cook stations – are haphazardly placed in car park lots or sidewalks to accommodate a business’s overflow of customers.
It’s messy, chaotic and turn kerbsides and even roadsides into extended business premises, causing all manner of problems – from cleanliness to lack of pedestrian space. But many Malaysians seem to take it for granted.
Hence, the timely post by social media influencer Roman Akramovich (@SyedAkramin) hailing the move by Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) enforcement officers who took action on errant traders in the vicinity of Jalan Sultan which is a throw’s stone away from the touristic KL China Town recently.
Terbaru, @DBKL2u serbu peniaga haram di Jalan Sultan. Yang tak tahu, Jalan Sultan ini di kawasan China Town, berhampiran Petaling Street.
Respek dengan YBM @DrZalihaMustafa. Semua tempat dia serbu. Kawasan Melayu, India dan Cina, semua kena.
pic.twitter.com/QLpZtHJ5SU— Roman Akramovich (@SyedAkramin) November 30, 2024
Tagging Federal Territories Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa, the poster lauded such action. In fact, action was needed regardless of the trader’s ethnicity with the clear implication that DBKL was carrying out its duties without fear or favour.
Many netizens responded positively, contending that it was about time something was done with one noting that no other minister had dared to take action on businesses in the area.
With one noting that errant traders put tables and chairs indiscriminately on sidewalks were a nuisance with their filth.
Of course, one tried to turn it into a race and religion issue by stating that the targetted business was Chinese Muslim. But that was quickly shot down as netizens pointed out other businesses were non-Muslim/Chinese-owned.
Some asked why no other municipal council could be seen as taking action in such a swift manner as DBKL, insinuating that corruption was involved.
A few reckoned that this was the way forward in making Kuala Lumpur a world class city.
Some, however, doubted the effectiveness of the so-called operasi as the traders seem to have once again conquered the sidewalks and pavements for their own use.
A few went on to expose other areas where this problem is very pronounced.
But let’s face it, it is not just a couple of “popular” areas that are afflicted. This “al fresco” dining is very much part of Malaysia’s F&B (food and beverage) scene, thus the need for one to ask why do traders do it?
Because there is a demand, certainly. Yes, everyone who sit and dine at these streetside cafes and restaurants are guilty of contributing to this problem.
It is so ingrained in us that we think nothing of it.
Well, next time you grouse about DBKL or any other municipal authorities not doing their job, please be aware that by patronising these establishments, you are very much part of the problem. – Dec 2, 2024
Main image credit: OnlyFoodKL
