PORT DICKSON, March 22 – Negeri Sembilan Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, has been urged to intervene immediately in the case of a petai vendor who was subjected to enforcement action by officers from the Port Dickson Municipal Council (MPPD). The incident has sparked public outrage after a video of the event went viral on social media.
The vendor, who was merely trying to earn a living, claimed he was prevented from selling petai using his motorcycle in a parking area near a supermarket. The video, which shows two MPPD enforcement officers stopping him from earning an income, has drawn sympathy from netizens and widespread criticism of the local authorities’ actions.
Frustrated and upset, the vendor threw his petai onto the road in protest against the enforcement officers. The public, moved by the situation, tried to collect the petai, but the vendor, in his deep disappointment, threw them into a drain as a symbolic gesture of his frustration with the authorities.
Calls for the Negeri Sembilan Chief Minister to Act
The incident has gained widespread attention, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. The public is calling on the Negeri Sembilan Chief Minister to take immediate action to defend the rights of the vendor and other small traders affected by the actions of the authorities.
“The Chief Minister must see for himself the hardships faced by ordinary people. He must not remain silent while those struggling to earn an honest living are subjected to such heartless enforcement,” one netizen commented on social media.
Additionally, many have demanded strict action against the enforcement officers for their lack of compassion.
“During Ramadan, the government should be more considerate. Instead of preventing people from doing business, they should help them earn a livelihood,” expressed another social media user, voicing disappointment over the incident.
State Government Urged to Show More Empathy
So far, the media is still awaiting an official statement from MPPD and the Negeri Sembilan government. However, this incident highlights the urgent need for a change in enforcement approaches, particularly when dealing with small traders who are merely trying to make an honest living.
The Negeri Sembilan government is being urged to take swift action to ensure justice is served and to safeguard the welfare of small traders like this petai vendor. The Chief Minister’s immediate intervention is crucial to resolving this matter fairly and equitably.