Demolition of illegal food stalls in Teluk Bahang turned ugly

(The Sun) – An operation to clear illegal food stalls in Teluk Bahang was forced to stop after workers and an enforcement team were roughed up by locals and members of several non-governmental organisations today.

In the 10.15am incident, some 50 officers and workers from the Southwest District Office, Land and Mines Office, Works Department and the Penang Island Municipal Council were surrounded by a mob protesting the operation.

Spotted in the crowd were members of Perkasa, Persatuan MukaBuku, Pekida and Al-Ehsan, who had come in support of the traders.

Southwest district police chief Supt Mohd Hatta Mohd Zin said the situation turned unruly when talks between the traders, led by Teluk Bahang Hawkers Action Group chief Mohd Rizal Zainal Abidin, and district office staff broke down.

He said the traders and locals there started acting aggressively towards the enforcement team when the order was given to proceed with demolition of the stalls.

“Police managed to break up the scuffle while the demolition was forced to stop,” he said in a text statement when contacted by the media.

Mohd Hatta said a police report was later lodged and investigations will be done under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing public servants in discharging their duties.

It is learned the district office had issued notices to 16 stall owners to vacate the 40 stalls along the road in Dec 23 last year.