Dispute over cafe licensing continues in Ipoh

IPOH: A cafe operator in Canning, which was found to be operating without a licence, is adamant to stay open and secure the necessary authorisation.

Hillrise Coffee’s director Vincent Perera said that they have been attempting to obtain an operating licence from the Ipoh City Council since their opening in December 2022.

“We are still in the process of applying for the licence and whatever is required. I will continue to appeal even if I fail to get the licence,” he told a press conference on Saturday (Oct 5).

Perera said he had also applied for a Planning Permit (Kebenaran Merancang) three weeks ago and was awaiting the outcome, adding that the cafe was built on his own property.

Residents have reportedly raised objections to the cafe, citing issues with parking, congestion, and cleanliness in the area.

Ipoh mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin confirmed via text that the cafe lacks the approval to operate.

However, Perera argued that according to the Ipoh Local Plan 2035, the land on which the cafe sits is zoned as commercial, granting him the right to operate there.

Perak housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng stated that local councils in the state are committed to ensuring adherence to local plans for effective and sustainable town planning.

She maintained that councils are open to applications for zoning changes, provided they undergo proper procedures and consider feedback from relevant parties.

She emphasised that residents’ concerns would be prioritised in decision-making.

Ng said that following community protests and significant concerns, the city council is taking extra measures to ensure the best decision is made.

Several meetings have been held, including a town hall session at the end of September, involving various stakeholders to discuss the issue openly.

Rumaizi, in a separate statement, said the one-stop-centre committee had rejected the cafe operator’s application on Friday (Oct 4) and that the council plans to take the case to court under the Local Government Act.

Canning assemblyman Jenny Choy confirmed receiving Perera’s email and has instructed her assistant and city councillor Lam Yew Tact to contact him. She noted that a town hall session was held to address the issues between all parties involved.