SS2 bridal shops to be licensed in two years

Post date: Jul 18, 2011 3:49:54 PM

Selangor Times June 17-19, 2011 Issue 29

By Alvin Yap

PETALING JAYA:

Unlicensed bridal shops in SS2 here will receive commercial status for them to operate in the residential enclave.

The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) plans to legalise the bridal galleries with a set of guidelines that will change the land status to “limited commercial” usage.

“MBPJ will look into converting the bridal galleries with a Special Area Plan so that they can operate inside a residential zone,” Datuk Roslan Sakiman told Selangor Times recently.

The mayor said the proposed conversion will utilise guidelines under the PJ Local Plan and will ensure that only “retail-type” industries can operate next to residential lots.

He pointed out that the business operations must be small scale, use limited parking space, and, most importantly, be non-polluting.

This essentially means that the bridal shops can continue to operate on the busy main roads of Jalan SS2/55, Jalan SS2/72 and Jalan SS2/75.The move comes in the wake of proposals from local councillors who want to see the boutiques equalling that of their rivals on Jalan Ipoh in Kuala Lumpur.Last month, councillor Tony Cheong said he supported the initiative to legalise the galleries and studios in SS2.He said the landlords must convert the property to commercial status before the business operators can apply and secure a business licence.According to Cheong, the houses on the main roads in question are no longer fit for habitation as they are affected by dust and noise pollution.Converting them for commercial operations would also fetch higher assessment rates as well as rental for the landlords.Currently, property owners face a RM10,000 to RM15,000 fine for renting out residential units for commercial use.Commercial operators face fines for illegal trading and advertisement, and for obstructing five-foot ways.As of April this year, 65 compound fines, each costing RM250, were issued to the bridal shops.

“The Sustainable Development committee will sit to approve the project,” Roslan further said.

MBPJ will then hold a series of public hearings to listen to parties who support or oppose the land conversion.

Roslan said the proposal must have unanimous support from the public for it to be pushed through to the state government for a final decision.

“The whole process will take two years to complete. It will consist of drawing up draft plans, holding hearings and gathering public feedback,” the mayor said.

Meanwhile, there is “amnesty” for the existing bridal shops to continue operating.

However, new bridal shops are not allowed to open in SS2 as this would be illegal.

Roslan said MBPJ will continue to monitor the existing bridal shops, and will investigate complaints and take necessary action against them.