OUTRAGE OF REJEAN KUMAR RATNAM: DBKL ENFORCEMENT ACCUSED OF ACTING LIKE “LICENSED GANGSTERS”
Kuala Lumpur – The Associate Chief of Bersatu Selayang, Rejean Kumar Ratnam, who was also the former Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate for Rawang, has expressed his disappointment over the actions of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) enforcers, whom he accused of being rough towards small traders in the capital city.
He urged the people to speak up for those who are merely trying to earn a daily living for their families. In his statement, he described the authorities’ actions in confiscating unlicensed traders’ goods as inhumane and akin to “licensed gangsters.”
“I extend my deepest gratitude to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, and lawyer Siti Kasim for defending the plight of small traders who are oppressed by the cruel actions of the authorities,” he said.
Abang Belon: “I Am Malaysian, Originally From Jerantut, Pahang”
The incident that sparked this outrage involved a balloon vendor known as “Abang Belon.” He claimed to have been mistreated by DBKL enforcers at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur, while trying to sell balloons ahead of the Hari Raya celebrations.
In a video shared by Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, the victim denied allegations that he had been warned three times before the viral altercation took place on social media.
“I am afraid to confront them. If I do, my goods will be confiscated because I don’t have a business license,” he said in distress.
The victim suffered serious injuries, including a possible spinal fracture due to the incident. He admitted that he did not have a business license because he was unaware of the proper application procedures.
“I want to apply for a license, but I don’t know the procedure. I am ill, I have a hernia, and selling is the only way I can support my younger sibling who is still studying,” he said.
He pleaded with Shahidan Kassim to help him obtain a business license so he could trade legally.
Siti Kasim Condemns DBKL
Lawyer and activist Siti Kasim condemned DBKL’s actions, describing them as heartless.
“I truly despise such actions by the authorities. This is excessive. He wasn’t disturbing anyone. What’s wrong with him earning a little before Hari Raya?” she said in a social media post.
She urged the authorities to be more empathetic and understand the hardships of the people when carrying out their duties.
Muhyiddin Yassin: “Justice for Small Traders”
Perikatan Nasional Chairman, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, also expressed his disappointment over the incident. He urged local authorities (PBT) to be more compassionate and find ways to assist small traders rather than continuously oppressing them.
“During Perikatan Nasional’s administration, we introduced the ‘Wilayah Bebas Berniaga’ initiative to help small traders during the COVID-19 pandemic. A similar concept could be used to ease the burden of the people who are now facing rising living costs,” he said.
Muhyiddin emphasized that authorities must be more considerate in handling small traders who are only trying to earn a halal living.
As of now, DBKL has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.