Illegal eatery in Titiwangsa to be torn down after delays

Authorities now gathering reports, date of demolition to be set later

AN illegal food court in Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur, is finally slated for demolition after months of complaints by residents in the area.

The eatery was found to have encroached on reserve land owned by Federal Territory Land and Mines Office (PTGWP).

Datuk Azman Abidin, aide to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, said checks found that the eatery was also operating without a licence.

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He told StarMetro that the operator had in late March been given three months to demolish the structure.

“They also signed a declaration in which they promised they would do so within the stipulated time frame.

“However, they then requested an extension and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) granted them three more months,” he said.

StarMetro’s article on Aug 25 on residents’ complaints about the structures.

Azman said PTGWP was in the midst of gathering technical reports from relevant government agencies before proceeding with the demolition.

The date for demolition has yet to be determined, he added.

The illegal food court gained attention after residents complained as reported by StarMetro on May 17.

The residents were upset by the increased traffic and noise caused by the food court, which they said was operated by a non-profit organisation.

The non-profit Malaysia Consultative Council of Islamic Organisation, however, denied claims of operating illegally.

In February, DBKL representatives reportedly inspected the site and issued the operator a 14-day notice to vacate.

The structures were reportedly erected without a development order from DBKL.

However, no action was taken since then.

In June, a meeting was held involving several residents, Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and DBKL to discuss the issue.

Resident Laif Ahmad Fisal (pic) said DBKL told residents that action would be taken on Oct 16, but this did not materialise.

StarMetro highlighted the matter three times on May 17, Aug 25 and Oct 24.

Recent checks on Nov 29 also found toilets being built behind the food court, near the residents’ homes.

The food court’s Instagram account has continued to promote its business.

Its most recent post announced a special event on Dec 16 that included a lucky draw in conjunction with its one-year anniversary.