SHAH ALAM, Oct 13 — The Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) has issued nearly 800 compounds, carried out more than 100 seizure actions, and issued 20 notices of closure against errant traders in the first nine months of this year as it steps up enforcement against businesses violating licensing requirements.
MBDK Licensing Department director Mohd Izzat Mokhtar said the higher figures compared with previous years were attributed to more frequent and targeted enforcement operations, rather than necessarily indicating an increase in offences.
“The increase in figures this year is due to the higher frequency of joint enforcement operations with other enforcement agencies.
“Previously, our operations may have focused on certain sectors. When enforcement operations are carried out on a general basis, the figures may not be as noticeable.
“However, given the current situation at both the national and state levels, our focus has shifted towards premises operated by foreign nationals. With more targeted enforcement, we are seeing higher figures,” he told Media Selangor in a recent interview.
Izzat added that MBDK issued 771 compounds for licensing-related offences as of September this year, amounting to an estimated RM771,000 based on a fine of RM1,000 per compound.
“Of this figure, 643 compounds were issued in the first half of the year, followed by 45 in August and 83 in September.
“A total of 105 seizures were also carried out, involving property and essential equipment belonging to licence holders who failed to comply with licensing conditions,” he said.
The local authority also issued 20 notices ordering businesses to cease operations or close their premises, along with notices of intention to revoke licences, mainly targeting businesses illegally operated by foreign nationals.
“Foreign workers are only permitted to serve as premise assistants and are strictly prohibited from working at front counters or as salespeople.
“When our enforcement operations find premises run entirely by foreigners with no local license holder present, we immediately issue a notice of intent to revoke the license.
“License holders are given seven days to submit an explanation. If no response is received or if the explanation is unsatisfactory, the license will be revoked,” Izzat said.
In total, MBDK has inspected 424 unlicensed business premises in the first nine months of 2026, comprising 332 between January and June, 57 in August, and 35 in September.
Several hotspots have been identified for frequent monitoring and were often the subject of public complaints, including industrial areas in Meru, Kapar, Bandar Sultan Sulaiaman, Sungai Puloh flats, Klang Utama, and the North Klang town centre.
In southern Klang, enforcement focuses on Pulau Indah, Telok Gong, Bandar Sentosa, Taman Seri Andalas, and Bukit Tinggi.
To prevent raided or closed premises from quietly resuming operations, he said MBDK conducts routine site inspections, carries out joint operations with agencies such as the Environment Department and the Selangor Water Management Authority, confiscates merchandise, and seeks utility disconnections to persistent offenders.
