Ikhlas president Mohd Ridzuan Abdullah said he had written a letter to the MACC alleging elements of power abuse by, among others, Ampang MP Zuraida Kamarudin and Lembah Jaya assemblyman Khasim Abdul Aziz, whom he claimed had planned to develop the area.

Ridzuan also said that the directive informing the traders they can no longer carry out their business there, was issued to avoid paying compensation to them.

However, Zuraida told FMT that the allegation was false and said the reason she told them to operate their businesses elsewhere was because they had been operating without permits.

She also said that the area was unsafe for customers.

“The area is dangerous as it is located at a corner and exposes customers to the risk of road accidents. The traders had also used an unclean water source that we fear may contain rats’ urine.

“That’s why the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council banned them from trading there,” added Zuraida, who denied involvement in any form of corruption or power abuse.

Khasim, on the other hand, challenged Ridzuan and the traders involved to lodge a police report if they really believed there were elements of corruption in the directive.

“If you say I am corrupt, then lodge a police report. I already suggested for them to be patient, but they refused to listen. They prefer to carry out a demonstration with Ikhlas.”