Two Ramadhan food stalls, one in Kampong Sungai Orok, Mukim Berakas and the other in Kampong Jerudong, Mukim Sengkurong were served with notices by the Planning Authority for violating town and country planning laws. The violations involved materially changing the use of land designated for car parks by erecting stalls.
The utilisation of parking areas for purposes other than their intended use raises serious safety and convenience issues. Specifically, a shortage of parking spaces on site leads to illegal parking in the vicinity, resulting in an increase in pedestrians crossing the road from various directions. The unauthorised presence of structures such as stalls has previously contributed to severe traffic congestion, hindering the smooth flow of vehicles and causing inconvenience, annoyance and delays for road users and shopping customers.
The Planning Authority stated that such stall activities should be conducted in safe and suitable areas or buildings equipped to handle large crowds and traffic. Ideally, these locations should have pre-existing infrastructure and utilities to prevent unauthorised electrical and water connections, which pose adverse risks to safety and health. The operators were given two days’ notice to dismantle the stalls erected on the car park areas.
The failure to comply will result in a compound fine being issued under Section 58 of the Town and Country Planning Act.
