PETALING JAYA: The public is seeing red at food trucks occupying public parking lots, especially in the busy commercial area of Section 14.
Business owners and residents said the food truck operators even set up chairs in the parking lots for their customers to sit and eat.
This has caused difficulties for motorists to find a parking space, especially during peak hours, forcing some to double park their vehicles, which worsens the congestion.
The public said the food trucks had been operating for a long time without any deterrence from local authorities.
“There should be a time limit for the trucks to park in one spot, as well as rules on how close they can be to other business establishments,” said resident Sam Lee.
A restaurant staff, M. Ganesh, said the trucks “stole” customers from nearby eateries, undercutting prices of food as the operating costs were low.
ACTIONLINE:
Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) said the food trucks were supposed to park in the “Smart Trak” bays.
Under the Selangor Food Truck Regulations, operating bays for food trucks are clearly demarcated.
A MBPJ spokesman said the bays, painted in orange with the words “Smart Trak” were designated for food trucks only.
“It is illegal to park the food truck anywhere else,” he said.
He gave his assurance that MBPJ would send its enforcement officers to patrol Section 14.
“Food trucks that occupy parking lots will be given a warning notice.
“If they continue to flaunt the rules, they will be fined,” he said.
The spokesman said unlicensed food trucks would be penalised.
Under the guidelines, truck owners are required to equip their vehicles with proper amenities.
Those selling soybean drinks, rojak, cendol or snacks, such as pisang goreng, are not considered food trucks, but vans, which require a different licence.
They cannot park at one spot for the whole day and are required to drive around designated areas without stopping for more than 15 minutes at a time.