Disgruntled traders protests Penang Island City Council

GEORGE TOWN: A cendol seller was shocked to discover his lorry from which he sells the icy delicacy from missing earlier this week.

Zulshahrizal Erwan Mohd Zulkifli, 34, immediately lodged a police report and was subsequently told his vehicle was not stolen but was seized by the Penang Island City Council.

He said he later found out his lorry was seized about 11pm on Tuesday and questioned why no notice was given prior to action being taken.

"My lorry was taken without my knowledge, this is the only work I am doing to feed my family.

"I could have found an alternative site or think of something else if I was told earlier," he said in a demonstration against the Council today at Komtar here.

Some 20 traders had gathered at Komtar at 11.30am and chanted against the state government before handing over a memorandum to Penang Information Officer Zahar Zainul.

Also seized that night was a towing jack belonging to laksa seller Abdul Malik Khaber Mohamad, 25, who decried the action.

He said they were not selling their wares at night and asked why the Council could not issue them licenses and permits
despite repeated requests.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Youth Parliament for Penang State Mohammad Nazri Abdul Latiff, who spoke on behalf of the disgruntled traders, urged Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to issue permits to those affected.

"We also want the lorry returned without him (Zulsharizal Erwan) having to pay the fines," he added.

Council secretary Yew Tung Seang said a press statement will be issued soon to address the matter when reached via text.