KUALA Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has warned the public that Dataran Merdeka and the surrounding areas are off-limits to petty traders and hawkers. The images sparked criticism among internet users who expressed concerns over cleanliness and the image of central Kuala Lumpur. In a statement on Wednesday (Feb 18), DBKL said personnel were dispatched to the location on Sunday to carry out enforcement actions. "This is to preserve the image, cleanliness and heritage value of the area, which is a source of pride for city residents," it said. DBKL also reminded the public to play a role in keeping the city clean and refrain from buying from illegal traders in the capital.

Source: The Star February 18, 2026 13:32 UTC