KUALA LUMPUR: The Masjid India Bazaar was a sea of blue on Tuesday as traders completed dismantling their permanent fixtures and replaced them with makeshift blue tents.
The traders of 120 lots were equipped with blue tents and other non permanent trading structures such as tables.
The footpath between the two rows of trading lots was free as the tents were confined to a standard size, in compliance with City Hall guidelines.
Last month, City Hall issued the traders a notice for using permanent structures at their trading lots which blocked the footpath.
They were sent a reminder on Dec 9 and City Hall officers moved in to remove the lots on Dec 11.
The operation was delayed as the traders pleaded for more time to remove the structures on their own. However, when City Hall enforcement officers came to demolish the remaining permanent structures, they did not have to lift a finger.
“The traders have cleared the obstruction and there is enough space for a fire engine to pass through,” said an officer.
The operation squad was recalled by noon as everything was in order.
The deployment of a City Hall truck for the operation to transport seized items of traders was empty.
A check with pedestrians revealed that they were happy with the move as they have more space to walk in the bustling square.
It was reported that City Hall cited obstruction to pedestrians and fire hazard as the reasons for the removal of the permanent structures. By Veena Babulal