The operation, called ‘Five-Foot-Way Operation’ started on Monday (January 14) and will end on Friday.

The objective of the operation was to remind traders, especially food operators, not to place their merchandise or tables or chairs along the five-foot-ways to cause inconvenience to pedestrians.

During the spot checks conducted at various commercial centres in Bintulu Town, 37 traders were compounded on the first day of the operation, followed by 38 traders on the following day and 39 traders yesterday. .

Meanwhile, BDA in its statement issued yesterday, reminded traders including those operating in Tatau District and Sebauh Sub-District to comply with the Local Authority Ordinance (Cleanliness) By-Law,1999.

It stated that for first offence, the compound would be RM150, subsequent offence would be RM300 and RM750 for the third offence.

Stubborn traders would be charged before the Magistrate’s Court and could be liable to a fine of RM1,500 if he still persists in displaying goods along the five-foot-ways.

The statement stated that the same operation would be carried out on a monthly basis to ensure all traders comply to the said Cleanliness By-Law which stated it is an offence to use five-foot-ways as an extension for their business premises.