Kuala Lumpur Hawkers' Plight: 30-Year Vendor Evicted, Activist Demands Justice from Authorities

KUALA LUMPUR – A press conference held on June 18, 2025, at the Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) office brought to light the alleged unjust eviction of a long-standing hawker from Kasturi Walk. Dato' Dr Kalaivanar of Nambikkai Malaysia, flanked by Puan Wawa, daughter of the affected hawker Abdul Aziz bin Yahya, detailed the distressing situation. According to Dr. Kalaivanar, Abdul Aziz, who has operated a stall at Kasturi Walk, adjacent to Central Market, since 1995 with a valid license and consistent rent payments, was forcibly removed without prior notice. He alleged that Abdul Aziz was "bullied and beaten by DBKL enforcement officers," leading to severe illness and bleeding from his mouth and nose. The activist claimed that the management of Central Market, which he believes is owned by a Singaporean entity, is responsible for the eviction. He questioned the decision by DBKL to lease a road reserve in Kasturi Walk to a foreign company, thereby disadvantaging local traders. "If a Malay person is treated this way, what about the fate of other ordinary citizens? Has our national dignity and local power been sold?" Dr. Kalaivanar stated, urging DBKL and the Federal Territory Department to provide an explanation within 10 days. He also criticized Minister Nga Kor Ming and the Kuala Lumpur Mayor for allegedly failing to address public issues and allowing "cartels" to control trading spots. Dr. Kalaivanar warned that if no satisfactory response is received within the stipulated period, a large-scale gathering involving hawkers and Kuala Lumpur residents will be organized to demand justice and end the alleged oppression against small vendors.