Kuala lumpur: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is introducing three improvements to facilitate business operations in the capital, including setting the permit fee for tables and chairs on five-foot ways at RM30 per month per set and simplifying the process for minor works permits. It said the third improvement was to consider reopening premises closed for hygiene reasons as early as 24 hours after cleaning works are completed. The measures are part of its ongoing efforts to streamline service delivery, reduce unnecessary processes and create a more conducive business environment in Kuala Lumpur.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, these improvements apply to all traders who meet the stipulated requirements, regardless of their background or type of premises, as stated by DBKL in a statement today. For permits concerning tables and chairs on five-foot ways, applications can be submitted through DBKL branch offices based on the respective parliamentary constituencies. These applications will be evaluated considering the location's suitability and the width of the five-foot way. Approval is subject to conditions ensuring that pedestrian walkways, wheelchair access, and access for emergency operations remain unobstructed.

For minor works permits, such as replacing tiles or ceilings that do not involve structural alterations to a building, applicants only need to fill in a form and notify DBKL. The permit can be issued directly through the respective DBKL branch offices according to the parliamentary constituency, thereby expediting the application process for low-risk works without compromising compliance and safety requirements.

Meanwhile, premises ordered to close due to hygiene issues may be considered for reopening as early as 24 hours after the cleaning has been properly carried out. However, reopening is not automatic and will only be allowed after DBKL conducts an inspection and confirms that all hygiene and food safety requirements have been met. At the same time, any relaxation of procedures will be implemented without compromising safety, hygiene, accessibility, and public interest, while helping to standardize processes, requirements, and enforcement at the branch level.

DBKL emphasized that clear and standardized processes not only provide certainty to traders but also facilitate officers in carrying out their duties and reduce room for differences in interpretation during implementation. The initiative followed an engagement session involving Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh, Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud, and representatives of the Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Chinese Coffee Shop and Tea Shops Owners' Association. DBKL also mentioned that another engagement session was held with the Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners' Association (PRESMA) last April to discuss issues faced by food premises operators, particularly those related to the reopening of premises.