IPOH: Ipoh has become a hub for Instagram-friendly coffee spots in recent years, but the trend of converting residential homes into business premises has sparked concerns.
More than 400 residents of Canning Garden have expressed their frustration after a coffee shop, which has been operating for a year, violated their rights.
The affected residents of Canning Garden include those living on Persiaran Papan, Persiaran Woods, Lebuh Woods, Laluan Papan, and Jalan Papan.
Speaking on behalf of the residents, D.M. Hemavathy said the community was deeply concerned about commercial businesses operating in Canning Garden, particularly along Jalan Papan and Lebuh Cecil Rae.
She said that in January last year, residents noticed a significant and disturbing change in their usually quiet street, with an influx of cars and noise.
"We soon learned that a café had opened at the end of the road. The cafe's customers are parking all over the street.
"Since then, the increased traffic and congestion have caused numerous problems. Cars frequently park in front of our homes, block our gates, and obstruct our driveways, despite our repeated requests for them to move," she told reporters here today.
Hemavathy added that the residents met with the Ipoh City Council (MBI), Ipoh mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin, and Canning assemblyman Jenny Choi between June 12 and July 6 last year to resolve the issue.
"During these meetings, it was confirmed that the property is still zoned as residential, and Jalan Papan has not been, and will not be, gazetted for commercial use. Therefore, it was determined that the cafe is operating illegally.
"However, to this day, the business continues as usual," she said, adding that if the owner had truly considered the well-being of the community, they would have reached out to them before opening the cafe.
She said that the owner's failure to do so raises serious doubts about their commitment to fostering positive relationships with the community.
"We urge the relevant authorities to take our concerns seriously and enforce the necessary laws to restore peace and safety to our neighbourhood.
"We call for the immediate closure of the coffee shop and any other commercial activities illegally operating in residential units in Canning Garden. The law must be upheld to protect our community," she said.
Meanwhile, when asked if the cafe had a permit to operate in the residential area, Rumaizi briefly stated that there was no approval to run the business.
Ipoh Timur Member of Parliament Howard Lee Chuan How, when contacted, said he was well aware of the issue and understood the predicament faced by the residents.
"We conducted a town hall session a few days ago with the residents, and the owner of the café was also present.
"MBI is essentially letting the process run its course. As far as we are aware, further action is being taken, and that falls entirely under the jurisdiction of MBI. We will allow the law to take its course," he added.