MPS tells traders their licences under review for two weeks

TEN traders selling traditional kuih and nasi lemak at the Selayang Mulia Apartments in Phase 2B, Bandar Baru Selayang, were told by the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) to stop operating for two weeks.

They were told the council was currently reviewing the status of their licence application and also the viability of the location.

P. Kanalan, 21, who sells breakfast every morning said the traders comprised six Malays and four Indians.

Kanalan claimed he had applied for a licence together with the other traders since 2009 but it was not approved.

“We were informed the licences could not be approved because our stalls were on parking bays in a residential area.

“Before this, we obtained permission from the management company of the apartment.

Kanalan and the rest of the traders met MPS councillor A. Murugeshu and Taman Templer residents complaints centre chairman Mohd Kassim Packiry to air his grouses.

Nasi lemak trader Che Saleha Ibrahim, 40, said she had applied for licence to supplement her household income.

“My husband is a taxi driver and we have six school-going children.

With an additional income of RM50 to RM60 a day, we could survive.

“If the council does not want us trade here then we hope they can provide a suitable place somewhere nearby,” she said.

Murugeshu said the permit would not be approved because the traders were operating on parking bays.

“However, the traders will be allowed to operate temporarily if the apartment’s management company sends a support letter to the council.

“I am also looking for a suitable area for these traders to operate.”

Mohd Kassim added the traders had to ensure the area was clean before the licence was approved.

“There must be a suitable washing area and the traders just cannot leave their tents on the parking lots. It must be a temporary structure and not a permanent one

“If all these are met, I do not see any problem in the council approving the licence,’’ he said.

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