Illegal Food Stalls Blooming Under Flyovers
by Clover Ng
@ 12 Nov 2013
Should we consider these stalls legal or illegal when more and more unlicensed operators are doing the same and it is widely accepted by consumers who visit their stalls? This is a common ‘phenomenon’ in many countries to have unlicensed operators setting up stalls on the streets and consumers just love the idea of street food. Despite the lack of hygiene practices and having equipped with clear water taps, patrons still pay a visit to these stalls, consuming food that may not be up to hygiene standards. This may not be a concern for the patrons, but it is definitely a huge concern for Malaysia’s government.
The stench of the food and rubbish can be unbearable for passer-by around that area, as well as the dust that is ‘fogging’ up the area, contributing to a bad dining experience. Some have complained about the stench and the loud noises from the crows as well as foreigners playing card games. It was seen as a bad influence to young children who lives nearby, as well as a bad practice with a mosque nearby. It is surprising that despite the locals owning the stalls, they have in turn rent them out to foreigners to run the businesses instead. Preserving heritage may in time cease to exist with more foreigners running the show.
Notwithstanding the complaints faced by some, the vendors’ businesses continue to thrive. Most patrons visit the stalls for the cheap price they pay, especially for the lunch crowd where workers will only require a place to dine at within that short span of lunch time and somewhere with cheap food. Also, some stalls do have that special flavor that no normal stalls will have. Some areas even offer parking lots for consumers. It seems as though these illegal vendors will be able to paddle for some time before anyone decides that they do not need such practice anymore.
