MIRI: The Miri City Council (MCC) has seized items from six food outlets in the city centre as part of an ongoing crackdown on businesses encroaching on public spaces.
The enforcement operation, carried out under the Cleanliness Bylaw (Sections 18 and 26), targeted premises that had turned parking bays, walkways and back lanes into extensions of their businesses.
The council said the practice not only mars the city’s image but also poses safety risks to road users and pedestrians.
Among the seized items were food stalls, plastic chairs, canopies, folding tables, lounge chairs, cooking equipment and even gas cylinders.
“This is not the first time action has been taken. Warnings and compounds have been issued previously, but there has been little cooperation from the owners,” the council said in a statement.
It added that enforcement would continue on a regular basis, with businesses urged to keep public areas free from clutter.
“The council will not tolerate the misuse of parking lots or public spaces. Miri must remain clean, safe and orderly,” it added.
Business owners were also reminded to maintain hygiene standards and to stop placing personal or commercial items outside their premises. Failure to comply, the council warned, would result in further seizures.
The council said the practice not only mars the city’s image but also poses safety risks to road users and pedestrians.
Among the seized items were food stalls, plastic chairs, canopies, folding tables, lounge chairs, cooking equipment and even gas cylinders.
“This is not the first time action has been taken. Warnings and compounds have been issued previously, but there has been little cooperation from the owners,” the council said in a statement.
It added that enforcement would continue on a regular basis, with businesses urged to keep public areas free from clutter.
“The council will not tolerate the misuse of parking lots or public spaces. Miri must remain clean, safe and orderly,” it added.
Business owners were also reminded to maintain hygiene standards and to stop placing personal or commercial items outside their premises. Failure to comply, the council warned, would result in further seizures.