DBKL instructed to urgently fix weak SOPs after MACC review, focusing on licence applications and enforcement to eliminate grey areas for corruption.
PUTRAJAYA: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has been ordered to immediately address weaknesses in its standard operating procedures (SOPs). Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the move is to close “grey areas” that could create opportunities for corruption.
She said a review by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) of various DBKL SOPs found several weaknesses needing urgent rectification. The goal is to ensure licence applications and enforcement actions are carried out clearly and transparently.
“Usually when there are unclear SOPs or grey areas, that opens the door for corruption,” she said at a press conference. She added that good suggestions to close a grey area would be implemented quickly.
Her statement responded to news reports highlighting weak and “outdated” management of various DBKL contracts, including business licence awards. Alleged weaknesses included the absence of a monitoring committee for high-value, long-term contracts awarded to private companies.
Hannah said improvements must be accelerated so the public clearly understands application procedures and enforcement actions. “All of that will be black and white, completely clear, so there is no room for different interpretations,” she said.
The improved DBKL SOPs will also be shared with the public so all parties understand the rules. She urged the public to play their part by not engaging in corrupt practices.
“Members of the public must not be involved in giving bribes,” Hannah said. She added that one cannot accuse officers while also feeding them, stating this must stop.
Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud said improvements include clearer SOPs for licence termination and revocation, including managing Ramadan bazaar sites. He said previously, there were no clear SOPs and licence cancellation decisions could not be made individually.
“For the 2026 Ramadan Bazaar, we have set SOPs, and we will start forming a committee before the bazaar begins operations,” Fadlun said. The committee will meet every two days, or more frequently if there are many violations, to decide on closures, fines, and compounds.
