If you drive a lot, chances are you’ve seen fruit sellers who try to make a living at the traffic lights in many states. Despite the hazard and multiple warnings from the authorities, they continue to attract customers who are waiting for the light to turn green.
Should we have some empathy and give them leniency to make a living despite the workplace hazard? PDRM in Johor insisted that by now, the sellers should’ve known about the consequences, especially after they have received multiple warnings in the past. In a Facebook post by Johor’s Police Traffic Department (JPST), a clip showcases a seller running away after realising the cops had their sight on him.
“He ran away when he saw us without taking into account the safety of himself, and other road users,” the caption said.
The police also said that the act of selling things on the street is a direct violation of the rules and laws. In the same post, they also shared another similar incident just outside Angsana Mall, JB where a seller ran away immediately after realising he was on the police’s radar.
“Please continue to monitor”
Many Malaysians agreed with what the police said about the situation, and some of them hoped to see more action be taken by the police in the future.
“Good one. Please continue to monitor and take action. There’s a lot of ways to do business, I don’t want to see JB becoming a lawless state.”
“He runs fast.”
“I always almost collide into them when I’m driving around Angsana Mall. Would I be found guilty if I accidentally collide into them?”
“If this is still MCO, I get it. But there are so many ways that these guys can do business. The traffic can be dangerous.”
“They’re just trying to make a living”
On the other hand, some Malaysians think that the police should give these sellers some leniency because they are simply trying to earn themselves some money without hurting others.
“As long as they’re not interfering with the traffic, let them earn a living. Times are tough now.”
“It’s hard to survive nowadays.”
“I hope everything goes well for him. He probably has wife and kids to feed.”
“Poor man. Times are tough and he’s earning a living the right way. He’s only selling when the cars are stopping, it’s not dangerous.”
You can watch the clip below.
The workplace hazard is obvious and at the same time, we can’t deny that times are tough now. However, do you think some leniency should be given in this case?
