THE Kampung Baru Weekend Market Traders and Welfare Association is against the move by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to demolish part of the market in Jalan Raja Muda Musa to make way for a development project.
DBKL issued a notice to 32 traders operating at the site on May 8 under the Essential Regulations (Squatter Eradication) 1969 stating that they should vacate the site on or before May 22 as they were squatting at the place.
The weekend market is said to be a popular spot among tourists, locals as well as for the Nasi Lemak Antarabangsa stall.
No go: Kampung Baru Weekend Market Traders and Welfare Association traders holding a picket against City Hall’s plan to demolish the market.The association's president, Dr Hosni Hussen Md Saat, said it was not proper for DBKL to label them as squatters.
“This is a place of business, it is not a squatter area.
“Most of us have been doing business here for many years and it is not fair for DBKL to come and do such a thing.
“Based on our findings, the land, which the area encompasses is under the Selangor Development Corporation (PKNS) and does not belong to DBKL.
“It is government land, managed by the government, when did it become a squatter area,” asked Hosni.
“DBKL was also selective in sending out the notices. We are finding contradicting facts to the whole matter.
“We are not against any development but for them to evade us and classifying us as squatters is not justified.
“DBKL should have brought us in and discussed with us on the development before going ahead with their plan. There has to be a win-win situation for both parties.
“So far they are only offering Projek Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) as compensation to those, who live here while the traders were offered temporary relocation to Jalan Raja Mahadi, Jalan Raja Muda Aziz and Jalan Hashim.
Hosni said there were over 200 shops in the area, which would be affected by the development.
Nadzri Abdul Hamid, who is the association deputy president, asked if DBKL was sincere with their intention.
“If they want to develop this place then the development should include us not exclude us.
“When we can have places like Little India and Chinatown, why cannot we have a Malay town right here?,” asked Nadzri.
About 30 traders gathered in front of the market stating their protest with the hope that some light will be shed over their problem.
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