When the Small are Targeted, the Big Walk Free
The Double Standard of Enforcement
A video of a balloon seller being roughly handled by DBKL enforcement officers has gone viral, sparking anger among Malaysians. The footage shows a simple street vendor, not a criminal, not a threat, just someone trying to make a living by selling balloons. His so-called "offence"? Not having a business license.
The System Needs to Change
Of course, rules are there for a reason. We need order, especially in a city as busy as Kuala Lumpur. But rules should be applied with fairness and common sense. The problem is not just about one man; it shows something bigger. A system that seems to come down hard on the small but turns a blind eye to the big fish.
The Double Standard
Why is it that small traders, usually from poor or struggling backgrounds, face harsh treatment while illegal businesses operating in broad daylight are left alone? This is not about supporting illegal hawkers; it is about asking honest questions. If enforcement teams have time to go after a balloon seller, surely they can also focus on all the unlicensed entertainment spots, dodgy nightclubs, and restaurants pretending to be something else.
A System in Need of Reform
Let’s not pretend we don’t see them. These places are everywhere. Some use restaurant licenses but actually run karaoke lounges. Others are just a front for activities involving foreign GROs and all kinds of vice from prostitution to drug use. These aren’t baseless accusations; news reports and investigations have proven it. And yet, many of them continue to operate like nothing is wrong.
The Impact on Public Trust
So, where is the same energy that we saw when chasing down a balloon seller? Why is enforcement so quick and firm with the small traders, but slow or missing when it comes to these bigger and more serious offenders? People are starting to feel that the law is not being applied equally. That it is only strict when it is easy. That is not just unfair – it also damages public trust.
Conclusion
The balloon seller’s story is more than just a viral clip. It is a mirror of what is wrong with how things are done. It shows us that the system needs to change. That justice must apply to everyone. Not just to those who cannot fight back. The rakyat are not asking for much. Just fairness. Because when the system is fair, it earns our respect. And when people feel respected, they follow the law not out of fear but out of trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the issue with the enforcement of laws in Kuala Lumpur?
A: The issue is that small traders, usually from poor or struggling backgrounds, face harsh treatment while illegal businesses operating in broad daylight are left alone.
Q: Why is the double standard a problem?
A: The double standard damages public trust and creates an unfair environment where the powerful can operate with impunity while the weak are targeted.
Q: What is the solution?
A: The system needs to change. Justice must apply to everyone, not just to those who cannot fight back. The law should be applied fairly, firm when needed but always fair.