Kuala Lumpur: The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has been allocated four months to implement a regularisation exercise for unlicensed traders, commonly referred to as ‘Rambo’ vendors, within the federal capital. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, emphasized that this initiative aims to support the sustainability of traders, especially small-scale traders and hawkers, by enabling them to obtain business licences.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Zaliha outlined that all unlicensed traders are encouraged to come forward and register with DBKL to apply for business licences in Kuala Lumpur by August. The minister assured that DBKL would offer various types of licences tailored to individual needs and expressed commitment to assisting in this process. However, she clarified that not everyone would be eligible for a licence, as DBKL needs to evaluate the entire hawker ecosystem and propose strategic solutions.

Dr Zaliha noted that the ministry currently lacks precise data on the number of unlicensed traders and hopes that the regularisation exercise will help gather necessary data and insights. She stressed that obtaining a licence does not permit traders to operate indiscriminately, especially in ways that could compromise public safety.

She cited the example of prohibiting the sale of potentially explosive items like hydrogen-filled balloons in open and crowded areas due to safety concerns. Regarding the increasing trend of food trucks and sidewalk stalls, Dr Zaliha mentioned that the ministry plans to enhance procedures by ensuring pedestrian space, gazetting certain areas, and allowing operations only during specific hours.

Additionally, she called for traders and the public to remain courteous and cooperative with authorities during enforcement activities. Earlier in the day, Dr Zaliha, alongside Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif, presented zakat donations in the form of RM200 cash to 500 asnaf recipients, including orphans, senior citizens, single mothers, persons with disabilities, and the underprivileged, with another 500 expected to receive aid in stages.