By Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
SUBANG JAYA, Dec 21 — The operation to demolish illegal constructions along the reserved shoulders of Jalan Taqwa at Persiaran Puchong Permai in Puchong was carried out as the location was not suitable as a static hawker site.
Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) mayor Datuk Johary Anuar said hawkers in the area were also found to have committed various other offences in violation of the hawker’s permit terms, like building permanent structures, leaving business items on site, placing furniture for customers, and not maintaining cleanliness.
“This did not come about all of a sudden, since notices have periodically been issued whenever the need arose. We have done so regarding enforcement actions as early as 2020, which had to be delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Hence, we think it is time for us to take action because we have received numerous public complaints regarding this route being congested due to hawker activities.
“It causes traffic disturbances and security problems, especially for the local residents,” he told the media after inspecting the demolition operations.
Johary added the operation was done to make way for road upgrading works in the surrounding area.
“The upgrading works involve the construction of footpaths with two-metre fences on both sides, the construction of road embankments, road resurfacing, as well as installing signs and road lines.
“The project will be implemented immediately after the demolition and cleaning of the site is completed, and the entire construction work is expected to take two months from January 2023 onwards,” he said.
Johary added hawkers in the illegal construction area were also found to employ foreign helpers. MBSJ’s investigations revealed a handful of owners rented out their sites to other sellers.
