Why are stalls allowed to operate on walkways, blocking pedestrians?

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Stalls Are Permitted to Operate on Walkways, Obstructing Pedestrians

Stalls are permitted to operate on walkways, forcing pedestrians, including the elderly and visually impaired, to navigate onto roads. This situation exists despite local councils investing millions in purpose-built hubs like medans and taman seleras. The operational model for these walkway stalls, which allows them to function rent-free and license-free, creates an inequitable environment for licensed restaurant owners who incur substantial fees.
Unfair Competition for Licensed Businesses

Restaurant owners who operate from formal premises face significant financial burdens, including thousands of ringgit in annual license fees. The ability of roadside stalls to operate without similar costs or rental obligations presents a direct and unfair competitive disadvantage. This disparity in operational overheads undermines businesses that adhere to established licensing and rental frameworks.
Diversion of Pedestrian Traffic to Roadways

The encroachment of stalls onto walkways directly impedes pedestrian flow, creating hazardous conditions. Individuals, particularly those with mobility challenges or visual impairments who rely on clear, unobstructed paths, are compelled to move into the road. This forces them to share space with vehicular traffic, increasing their risk of accidents.
Local Council Investment in Designated Hubs

Local authorities allocate considerable public funds, amounting to millions, towards the development of dedicated commercial spaces such as medans and taman seleras. These facilities are intended to consolidate vendors and provide organised spaces for food and trade. However, the continued allowance of stalls on public walkways suggests a disconnect between these infrastructure investments and on-the-ground enforcement or policy application.
Example of Widespread Obstruction

The issue is demonstrably present in residential areas, with Taman Seri Sentosa in Kuala Lumpur cited as a specific example. In this locality, the proliferation of walkway stalls has significantly reduced the available pedestrian space, leaving few, if any, clear pathways for residents. This situation highlights a systemic problem in urban planning and enforcement within certain local council jurisdictions.

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Why are stalls allowed to operate on walkways, blocking pedestrians?

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