Stalls in Kajang to be demolished, traders demand explanation

Small-time traders in Kajang who are already finding it hard to earn enough money have now lost their source of living after the local council gave a demolition order despite their appeals. Without giving any clear explanation, MPKj ordered the closing down and the demolition of the stalls and shops that caused the traders to lose their businesses.

One restaurant owner, Abu Bakar Mohamad, 59, said the MPKj and the Hulu Langat District Land Office told them to put their requests to reopen their stalls and shops in writing.

The traders said on a news conference that they have been going to different offices including the MPKj, the Hulu Langat District Land Office and even to their local assemblyman and MP to appeal for help. But those who did as they were told were rejected so they went to Assemblyman Mazwan Johar and Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming because they were already desperate. Both Mazwan and Ong assured the traders that they will help them to reopen their stalls because the land is actually owned by the state government.

However, signs saying that the shops would be demolished on Tuesday were put up on the area. Abu Bakar said that on that day, Mazwan gave his word that the authorities will let them be until they are relocated.“However yesterday’s operation saw MPKj and Hulu Langat District Land Office personnel conduct a joint demolition. They initially said they would wait for Mazwan to appear, waiting until the late evening, but he never showed up.

MPKj and Hulu Langat District Land Office waited for Mazwan to show up before starting the demolition but he never did which caused 12-14 shops to be destroyed. While the other two shops made it after presenting a court order.

He also claimed the traders were informed that the demolition order came from the Mentri Besar’s Office which shocked him because they have been appealing to Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari over and over.

There were no help in relocation nor compensation for the demolition and for the livelihood that they’ve lost were given to them.

In a news conference, Sungai Pelek assemblyman Ronnie Liu said that the state government has two policies regarding this matter. The first one states that the demolition can’t take place until the small businesses that would be affected by the redevelopment are relocated. While the second policy states that in response to the pandemic, local authorities must permit them to temporary operate their businesses. Liu apologized to the traders and shopkeepers on behalf of the Pakatan Harapan-led state government, of which he is a part of as a DAP assemblyman. And promised to find resolution on the matter.