KUALA LUMPUR – Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has defended the actions of its enforcement officers following a commotion at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (Jalan TAR) yesterday, which erupted when a balloon vendor refused to comply with orders.
The incident has since sparked widespread condemnation from various quarters, including the prime minister’s aide and former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
In response to the public outcry, DBKL issued a statement today clarifying that the vendor had been warned multiple times but disregarded the instructions. The situation escalated when he reacted aggressively upon receiving a third warning.
“When the third warning was issued, the balloon vendor became aggressive and made physical contact by pushing the enforcement officer who was carrying out his duty.
“To prevent the situation from worsening and to avoid any serious incidents, plainclothes enforcement personnel quickly intervened to calm the vendor and separate him from further assaulting the officer.
“The situation became tense when several other vendors attempted to intervene, but order was restored shortly after. No injuries were reported,” the statement read.
DBKL added that an internal investigation would be conducted on the officers involved, including a review of its standard operating procedures (SOP) for enforcement actions.
“DBKL emphasises that enforcement actions are carried out without racial bias. They are based strictly on existing regulations and have no racial motive,” it stated.
The incident has also been reported to the police by the enforcement officers involved.
DBKL urged all parties to refrain from spreading negative sentiment and speculation that could inflame the situation while calling for adherence to established regulations.
Videos of the altercation have circulated widely on social media since this morning, showing a scuffle between DBKL officers and traders following enforcement action against unlicensed business operations.
Earlier today, political secretary to the finance minister and prime minister, Kamil Munim, criticised DBKL officers for their handling of the situation, calling their actions “unacceptable.”
Describing the enforcement as “deplorable and unjustifiable,” the PKR Youth deputy chief said no justification could excuse such behaviour from the authorities.
“What is the meaning of fasting and worship during Ramadan if it fails to instil humanity and compassion for those who are less fortunate? Ramadan should reinforce our sense of humanity and elevate our character,” he wrote in a statement on X.
Kamil called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident while awaiting a full report from the authorities.
Viral footage of the incident shows DBKL officers attempting to confiscate goods from several unlicensed vendors, including the balloon seller, who resisted surrendering his items. A struggle ensued, during which a man, believed to be the vendor, was apparently pinned down while bystanders attempted to intervene, with some heard saying, “Dah lah bang” (that’s enough, brother) and “Dia jual belon je” (He is only selling balloons).
Muhyiddin urges compassion for small traders
Former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin also weighed in on the incident, expressing sadness over the enforcement action, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
“I watched the video of a balloon vendor who was allegedly manhandled by enforcement officers, and I feel deeply saddened, especially as this happened during Ramadan. Such harsh treatment should not be used against a street vendor whose only wrongdoing was selling balloons,” he said in a Facebook post.
Muhyiddin stressed that small traders often seek extra income during festive seasons, particularly amid rising living costs. He urged local authorities to be more compassionate and considerate by finding ways to accommodate small businesses, such as issuing temporary licences during specific periods. – March 29, 2025