A resident, Avinash, gave examples of two houses, each turned into a workshop and a restaurant, in Batu 3, Jalan Ipoh.

He said it’s business as usual despite notices served on them by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

“I have lodged complaints with DBKL about these two shops.

“In 2016, the workshop operated with a permit but later it was cancelled by DBKL. They got back the permit in 2017. DBKL told me that they were surprised how the workshop was allowed to operate again,” he told FMT.

He said authorities had instructed a restaurant in the area to cease operations.

“The restaurant started about six months ago, and was told to close down by DBKL as it is illegal. But the business is still on,” he said.

He said many cars were parked illegally in the housing area.

“It is really bad, especially during rush hour. How can we residents tolerate this?” he asked.

Another resident who wants to be known only as Alan questioned how the businesses got their licenses, as a residential unit must first get clearance to be converted for commercial use.

Avinash said the efforts to get DBKL to take action had been in vain.

“They keep saying that they are still in the middle of investigating,” he added.

He hopes the new Kuala Lumpur mayor would take the necessary action against the illegal businesses.

When contacted, Batu MP P Prabakaran promised to help bring up the matter to the authorities.

“These shops are illegal and I will look into the matter”.