Kuala Lumpur:The Federal Territories Department (JWP) is exploring the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, including facial recognition systems, to identify legitimate business licence holders and address the misuse of business licences at the Kuala Lumpur Wholesale Market.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Lo Su Rui, stated that this initiative is part of the measures being considered to resolve the persistent issue of foreign traders conducting business activities in the area.
The proposed technology aims to determine whether individuals operating businesses are legitimate licence holders, thereby mitigating the risk of licence misuse and violations of business regulations. Lo made these remarks during a Special Chamber session in the Dewan Rakyat, responding to a query from Datuk Seri Wee Jeck Seng (BN-Tanjung Piai) on government efforts to curb licence misuse, including unauthorized foreign traders at the market.
Lo highlighted that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is treating the issue with seriousness, as the presence of such traders not only creates unfair competition for local traders but also raises safety, governance, and legal compliance concerns. DBKL has implemented several enforcement measures, including the KL Strike Force, which coordinates operations with multiple enforcement agencies in the affected areas.
As of October, DBKL has carried out 11 special enforcement operations and seven integrated operations with relevant agencies around Pusat Bandar Utara. These operations resulted in the issuance of 403 general notices, 2,182 traffic notices, 934 seizure actions, and three premises closure orders against parties found violating licensing conditions or engaging in unauthorized business activities.
Despite these efforts, Lo noted that the issue remains unresolved due to DBKL's limited jurisdiction, which only covers the enforcement of business and hawking activities. He pointed out that many foreign nationals involved are United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cardholders, and DBKL lacks the authority to detain them. Enforcement action falls under the jurisdiction of the Immigration Department and National Security Council, which means individuals subjected to enforcement may resume business activities post-operations.
Source BERNAMA News Agency