By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
AMPANG JAYA, March 26 — The Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) has identified the individuals who misused its name to evict traders in Kampung Tasek Permai, Jalan Permai D.
Councillor Mohammad Firdaus Babh said the presence of several individuals at stalls classified under the Rural Development (PLB) status was a fraudulent attempt to expel traders.
“I received information that three individuals came and instructed four traders to vacate their stalls within a week, claiming they had an official letter from MPAJ. However, upon investigation, it was found that MPAJ had issued no such directive.
“There are elements of the misuse of MPAJ’s name because, as of now, even at the state government level, no decision has been made regarding whether PLB-status stalls will be granted licenses or otherwise.
“In light of this, we strongly condemn this act, and a police report will be lodged to ensure the safety of the traders, as they are merely trying to earn a living,” he said during a press conference today.
Meanwhile, Teratai state assemblyman Yew Jia Haur said the individuals’ actions in evicting traders without presenting an official letter from MPAJ were highly suspicious.
“At this stage, no decision has been made to grant authority to any party to carry out such actions. The individuals involved only claimed to have a letter but did not provide its contents.
“All actions must follow due process and cannot be carried out arbitrarily. Therefore, I have instructed the traders to file a police report as they have received threats,” he said.
PLB stalls were previously managed by the District and Land Office before being handed over to the local authorities to ensure more effective maintenance and licensing procedures.
The management transition was made due to constraints in staffing and budget allocations for maintenance costs.
These stalls were established to assist micro and rural traders in conducting their businesses, helping them generate income and improve their living standards.