Kuala Lumpur Vendors Urge DBKL to Reclaim Kasturi Walk Management

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Vendors at the iconic Kasturi Walk in Kuala Lumpur are calling on the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to directly manage the popular hawker site, urging against the renewal of a long-term lease with a foreign third-party company. The plea comes as a reported 15-year lease agreement for the site is set to expire in October. According to the vendors, this request aligns with DBKL's previously stated intention to manage its own bazaar operations, including those for Ramadan, Hari Raya, and Deepavali. "We urge DBKL to take back Kasturi Walk and not hand it over to a third party," a voiceover in a recent video stated, reflecting the sentiments of the local hawkers. Vendors are questioning DBKL about the impending expiry of the 15-year lease with the foreign entity. They believe that if the lease is indeed concluding in October, it is the opportune moment for DBKL to honor its commitment to self-manage hawker sites. This move, they argue, would ensure that Kasturi Walk, a significant cultural and commercial hub, remains under local administration, benefiting the community and local businesses directly. The situation underscores ongoing discussions about local governance and the management of public spaces in Kuala Lumpur.