Urban management officers in a Ho Chi Minh City neighborhood have been fining traders at makeshift markets without filing legitimate paperwork as per regualtions.

Officers of the urban management unit under the People’s Committee in Binh Hung Hoa A Ward, Binh Tan District, have collected fines from the street sellers since the beginning of this year, according to a probe by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

The law enforcers did not make any proper report of violations and only wrote a token receipt.

As the Tuoi Tre reporters observed on Friday last week, the officers, divided into two groups, scouted the stalls along Go Xoai Street to collect VND150,000 (US$6.73) from each vendor.

They stated that the money was a fine for the sellers’ encroachment on sidewalks and roadways.

According to N.T.L., a meat seller from District 12, she has to pay a similar fine for about three to four times a month.

Meanwhile, M.T.H., a 53-year-old egg seller, said that such money covers a large part of her regular income.

“They threatened to confiscate all of my merchandise if I refuse to pay the fine,” H. continued.

A pork vendor has also expressed her anger at how the officers perform their jobs.

“I asked for a report of violations and said I would pay my fine later at the local administration office. However, they insisted on collecting the money on the spot,” she elaborated.

The law enforcers managed to fine dozens of sellers on Go Xoai Street in the morning before heading to the nearby 16^th Street to continue their duty.

Inappropriate action

During an interview with Tuoi Tre, Ngo Xuan Thong, vice-chairman of the People’s Committee in Binh Hung Hoa A Ward, asserted that the officers’ action went against regulations.

“It was wrongful and inappropriate,” Thong stressed.

There are currently 12 members of the local urban management unit, the official said, adding that they have to submit their inspection schedule to higher authorities.

Regarding the reported situation, Thong confirmed that it had happened once in the past, with many officers strictly sanctioned.

“I also publicized my personal phone number for local residents to report similar incidents,” he added.

It is a surprise that the situation has happened again, the official remarked, adding that he was informed of it by the locals.

There are three makeshift markets in the ward, with traders often caught encroaching on sidewalks and streets.

The sellers will be warned for their first-time offense and will be fined or have their products confiscated if they repeat their violation, said Thong.

For the latter case, the vendors can pay their fine directly or later at the administration office, he sated, adding that a report of violations must be prepared by the officers.

“It was wrong for them to collect the money without filing mandatory paperwork. I will clarify the incident and impose punishment upon the law enforcers,” Thong underlined.

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