KUALA LUMPUR – Nine hawker stalls in Desa Pandan previously slated for demolition to make way for a road-widening project will not be torn down, Titiwangsa MP Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani announced today.
The decision was reached following discussions with Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif.
Instead, the stalls will be reorganised and upgraded under a plan aimed at balancing urban development with the needs of local traders and residents.
Johari, who is also the plantation and commodities minister, said the hawkers would be licensed by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), provided they comply with new layout guidelines.
“We have agreed that the stalls will not be demolished. However, some of the structures, built with brick walls and permanent fittings, do not resemble typical hawker setups. DBKL will issue licences on condition that the hawkers follow a proper layout,” Johari told a press conference in Desa Pandan, where Maimunah and Zaliha were also present.
He stressed that the plan aimed to create a “win-win” situation that ensures safe traffic flow while maintaining a comfortable and orderly trading environment.
Johari added that DBKL would enforce regulations to prevent hawkers from placing tables and chairs along the roadside, warning that violations could lead to confiscations or even licence revocations.
Last week, tensions escalated when DBKL attempted to clear the site, resulting in the arrest of a 43-year-old man who brandished a machete at enforcement officers. DBKL said it had ordered hawkers to vacate the site in January to facilitate road works and upgrade facilities, issuing a final notice on July 4.
The council also said it had engaged with stakeholders, including hawkers and their associations, throughout the process.
Following the incident, Johari urged DBKL to review the demolition plan, noting that the affected stretch was an internal road and that the hawkers had operated legally in the area for many years.
However, despite the decision to spare the stalls, Johari emphasised that the road-widening project would proceed as planned to improve safety and accessibility for nearby residents and motorists.
“We intend to widen the road, so we should give the mayor the opportunity to determine the best way to proceed. There’s no choice if we want a more comfortable and accessible space,” he said.
Johari also revealed that the proposed closure of a nearby bridge would be discussed in an upcoming meeting involving his office, DBKL, the Selangor Drainage and Irrigation Department and technical teams.
Originally built for pedestrians and motorcycles, the bridge is now frequently used by lorries and other vehicles, with its steep incline blamed for several accidents.
“The bridge may remain open to motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians, but this must be finalised as drainage works are also involved,” Johari explained, noting that safety was a particular concern for the 43 surrounding low-cost housing blocks and nearby schools.
Johari also cited DBKL’s successful revamp of the Wirawati Market as an example of how thoughtful improvements could revitalise trading areas.
Meanwhile, Zaliha said the hawker stall upgrades would be implemented under DBKL’s Programme Lestari Niaga, which aims to provide attractive, hygienic and affordable trading spaces.
“The focus is on ensuring these stalls are clean, visually appealing and capable of attracting customers. Programme Lestari Niaga covers the beautification and upgrading process, with affordable rentals for small traders,” she said.
At the same time, Maimunah pledged to convene a follow-up meeting soon to finalise and implement the agreed measures. – July 23, 2025