Call for MPSP to act on illegal hawkers

Food sellers at Taman Tun Dr Awang foodcourt here are hoping that the Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) can take immediate action against illegal hawkers in the area.

Their spokesman, Hussain Kachi Mydin, 63, said more than 20 illegal hawkers were operating around the foodcourt, hence affecting their income.

"They have been there over the past year and most of them are foreigners. We have lodged more than 10 complaints to MPSP but nothing has been forthcoming.

"The income of 23 food sellers here have been badly affected. We used to get a daily profit of up to RM200, but now, we can hardly get RM100 a day," he told a news conference here today.

Hussain, who has been selling nasi lemak at the foodcourt over the past 12 years, said it was also unfair that the hawkers could operate there without being compelled to pay the monthly rent of RM120 like the food sellers.

Meanwhile, another food seller, Rohani Mat Shariff, 60, said she had been contacting the MPSP almost every other day to complain about the illegal hawkers.

"These illegal hawkers are operating without any interruption even near the signboard of 'No Hawking' that has been put up there.

"Every time I call the MPSP, those who answered the call said they will inform the officers on duty, but nothing has been done so far and the illegal hawkers are still there," she said.

She said the illegal hawkers would sell snacks and various hot dishes from noon to midnight.

Rohani really hoped that the MPSP would act on the hawkers soon to ensure that the income of local food sellers would not continue to be affected.