DBKL REAFFIRMS FAIR ENFORCEMENT AFTER VIRAL JALAN TAR SCUFFLE

KUALA LUMPUR, March 29 (Bernama) -- A tense situation unfolded involving an unlicensed balloon trader vendor and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) enforcement officers at the Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (TAR) area, following the aggressive actions of the individual towards the officers on duty.

DBKL, in a statement today, said during a routine patrol of the area, the enforcement team discovered several unlicensed vendors operating their businesses on the pedestrian walkway of Jalan TAR, obstructing public movement and causing congestion.

“As per usual practice, DBKL first issues a warning before taking any enforcement action. Other unlicensed vendors cooperated and vacated the area.

“However, one balloon vendor refused to comply with the instructions and continued to trade as usual, despite having received two previous warnings. When a third warning was issued, the balloon vendor became aggressive, resulting in physical contact when he pushed the enforcement officer who was carrying out their duties," the statement read.

To prevent the situation from escalating further and to avoid a more serious incident, plainclothes enforcement officers acted swiftly to calm and separate the vendor from continuing to assault the officers.

According to DBKL, the situation became tense when several other vendors attempted to intervene, but the situation was brought under control and calmed shortly thereafter, with no injuries reported from the incident.

Earlier, a video making the rounds on various social media platforms depicted the tense situation and the scuffle between a balloon vendor and DBKL enforcement officers, which took place in the Jalan TAR area last night.

In the meantime, DBKL confirmed that a police report had been filed by the enforcement officers involved in the incident.

It has also initiated further investigations and taken statements from all enforcement officers involved in the incident.

“DBKL will also review and improve its standard operating procedures (SOP) for enforcement actions to ensure that any untoward incidents can be prevented in the future.”

“DBKL wishes to emphasise that enforcement actions are carried out without regard to any racial background and are based on set regulations, with no racial motives,” it added. 

DBKL said strict action will be taken against anyone operating a business without a valid licence and causing public disturbance, adding that it is responsible for ensuring the safety, smooth movement of the public and compliance with set regulations.

In this regard, DBKL also requests the cooperation of all parties to stop spreading sentiments and negative, irresponsible speculation that could escalate the situation. DBKL also calls for compliance to the regulations in place.

"DBKL will continue to strive to ensure public harmony and safety are always maintained," it said.

Meanwhile, Dang Wangi police chief ACP Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman confirmed having received a report from a DBKL enforcement officer regarding the incident today.

“We will call those involved to provide statements soon to assist with the investigation. The case is being investigated under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public servant while carrying out their duties,” he said briefly when contacted by Bernama.

He said police would conduct a thorough and fair investigation according to the provisions of the law, and action would be taken against anyone found to have committed an offence.

-- BERNAMA