Traders plead with MPKJ for simplified business license procedures following eviction notice

KUALA LUMPUR: Several Malay traders at Taman Mesra Niaga Batu 13, Kajang are appealing to the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKJ) to simplify the process of obtaining business licenses after being given a 21-day notice to vacate their stalls.

According to an affected trader, Azli Mohd Shariff, traders have faced challenges since 2021 after the District Entrepreneur Development Council (MPUD), which managed the traders in that area, ceased operations.

He, who has been trading for 13 years, stated that he began operating without a license in 2021 after MPUD was dissolved, as MPKJ does not allow traders under MPUD to apply for business licenses.

“MPKJ claims that MPUD did not provide any explanations to them.

“We do not have a business license. We are trading in fear,” he said, adding that they have until October 22 to operate before their stalls are threatened with demolition.

According to Azli, MPUD previously managed all business licenses for the traders under its jurisdiction in coordination with MPKJ.

However, he stated that MPUD no longer exists.

“We referred to MPKJ and were told that they had no explanations from MPUD. So, we cannot continue trading.

“Trading without a license causes us distress because the Local Authority (PBT) can take action against us.

“MPKJ should take further action to manage business licenses. We, as traders, are in a difficult position,” he said.

Meanwhile, Azli mentioned that the fee for obtaining a business license was previously RM130 per year.

He noted that there are five traders under MPUD facing the demolition of their stalls.

Azli urged MPKJ to allow traders under MPUD to continue their businesses and provide an opportunity to obtain business licenses.

“If the fee is increased to RM200 per year, we can afford it,” he said.

Additionally, Jan Fazal Eladi, Special Communication Officer of the Muslim Consumer Association (PPIM), expressed hope that the Kajang State Assembly member, Cheong Kian Young, could assist the affected traders.

He stated that the traders met with Cheong today to express their issues.

“We hope Cheong will help and support the people.

“Given the current high cost of living, it is crucial for these traders to be allowed to operate with licenses,” he said.