Flashback: StarMetro’s report on May 13.

THE traders of Jalan Kampung Pasir have been given a three-month extension by Federal Territories Land Office to vacate the area.

Its director Haji Mohd Haniff Hassan said the enforcement action to vacate the land would only be taken after Aug 11.

He was referring to StarMetro’s report on May 13 that stated Kampung Pasir traders were in limbo after being given a notice to vacate their premises by the Federal Territories Land Office.

This is despite being legal traders with the necessary licences.

The notice served to them on April 23 read, in part: “You have been found to be on government land in Jalan Kampung Pasir, Mukim Petaling, without valid approval from the local authorities. Eviction will be carried out on May 13. Hence, you are asked to vacate the government land before May 12.”

Mohd Haniff said the traders would need to discuss with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) Licensing and Hawker Management Department to find an alternative location.

“The licences were issued to open a stall and not a licence to conduct business on government land.

“DBKL needs to check the status of government reserve lands before allowing trade at any location,” he said.

When asked if there was any development project slated for the site, he said the location where the traders were, was not involved in any development project as it was a road reserve and open space.

“We served the notice to the traders because they have committed an offence under Section 425(1) and 426(A) (1)(6) National Land Code, which is occupying government land illegally,” Mohd Haniff explained.

He said according to the National Land Code, it was not necessary for the Land Office to issue any notice to those who trespass government land.

“Eviction can be done anytime but we had given the traders a two-week notice, to minimise potential damage,” he said.

He said the Land Office had acted accordingly after receiving complaints from New Pantai Expressway Sdn Bhd, SRJK (T) Saraswathy and DBKL Urban Planning Department.

Aidawati Mohd Yusof, 45, whose mother, Fatimah Sarunan, 64, ran a nasi lemak stall for 40 years at the location, said she would discuss with her mother and the other traders on their next course of action.

“I think it is unfair that we have to vacate the land as we have paid for the licence from DBKL. Why wasn’t something said when they renewed the licences?,” she questioned.

Scrapmetal dealer Sharul Nizam Kassim, 46, said the Land Office and DBKL should find a new location for them.

“I will write an appeal letter to DBKL and Land Office to let us stay,” he said.