Five years ago, Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo had instructed the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) to act against illegal hawkers following complaints from residents.

Contacted today, Pandan Jaya residents association representative Chew Jyn Chyn said action has yet to be taken.

The hawkers set up some 30 stalls along Jalan 3/4 Pandan Jaya since 1999. The area is supposed to be a parking lot for residents.

The residents then turned to Khir, who on Dec 5, 2002, issued a letter urging the MPAJ to take action.

"I don't understand why MPAJ did not take action against the hawkers. Is an order from the menteri besar's office not good enough?" Chew asked.

"If this is the situation, then why doesn't the menteri besar just resign," added the vexed resident.

According to Chew, the problem was also brought to the attention of Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department M Kayveas and state exco in charge of housing and local government, Mokthar Ahmad Dahlan.

Letters were sent to the duo asking them to urge the menteri besar to resolve the problem.

Passing the buck

Chew said the stalls, run by migrant workers, have created a lot of inconveniences for the residents.

He said another problem is that the top brass in MPAJ keeps changing.

"Until now, they have changed at least three yang dipertua (presidents) since the case (the hawker problem) was highlighted," he noted, adding that the top officials are passing the buck.

He said the council keeps giving excuses as to why action cannot be taken against the hawkers.

"MPAJ keeps pushing the responsibility from the president to the deputy president. Until now, there is no reply from them," he added.