Dataran Merdeka remains a no-hawker zone as Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) takes action against illegal beverage vendors near the iconic Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad.
The move comes after public complaints surfaced online following the reopening of the heritage building.
Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad reopens to visitors
Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad (BSAS) reopened to the public on Feb 2 after completing the first phase of refurbishment works.
Since its reopening, many Malaysians and tourists have visited the landmark, especially at night when the building is illuminated.
Illegal drink stalls draw criticism online
However, beverage vendors were seen operating outside the building area, drawing criticism from some members of the public.
Screenshots shared by Threads user @hazwanhfiz showed several drink stalls set up near the historical site.
The posts went viral, with users urging Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh and DBKL to take action.
One user also alleged that some vendors were foreign nationals operating without valid permits.
Dataran Merdeka remains a no-hawker zone
In a separate post, DBKL confirmed that hawking activities were detected around Dataran Merdeka on Feb 14.
Enforcement officers carried out seizure actions in accordance with existing laws.
The authority reminded the public that Dataran Merdeka is a prohibited area for hawking to preserve its image, cleanliness, and heritage value.
Visitors are advised not to support illegal vendors and to help maintain the cleanliness and safety of the area.
DBKL said cooperation from all parties is needed to ensure Dataran Merdeka and its surroundings remain clean, safe, and welcoming for all.
