A Kampong Rimba shopping centre’s management company was issued a notice by the Town and Country Planning Department for violating planning laws by using land designated of car parks to set up stalls, food trucks and exhibition tents.
The company was given two days’ notice to dismantle the stalls and exhibition tents, or risk receiving a fine under Section 58 of the Town and Country Planning Act.
The utilisation of parking areas other than for its intended purpose raises safety and convenience issues such as parking space shortage causing illegal parking and an increase in pedestrians crossing roads.
Unauthorised structures have contributed to severe traffic congestion in the past, hampering the flow of vehicles and inconveniencing road users and shoppers.
The department said stall activities should be carried out in safe and conducive areas or buildings designed to handle large crowds and traffic, preferably equipped with infrastructures and utilities to avoid unauthorised electrical and water connections which pose health and safety hazards.
The planning authority also reminded the public, particularly business owners, that while the Ministry of Home Affairs handles licensing trade fairs or similar bazaar activities, the Town and Country Planning Department is still the authority in regulating building or land use. Any change of use would need prior approval from the agency before implementation.
