Thumbs up and backlash from KL folk

KUALA LUMPUR: The plan to close a stretch of Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman to private vehicles has courted myriad reactions from shoppers.

Some described it as “ill-advised” while others think it is “necessary”.

While some say the move will affect people who buy goods in bulk, others view it as a positive move to reduce cars in an already-congested city.

T. Chandra Shegar, an art director, said the move was not only ill-advised but also ludicrous.

“I don’t know how shoppers or businessmen like me who get supplies from the shops are going to be picked up and dropped off. I may have to get my stocks elsewhere.

“There are many wholesalers in the area, so people go to Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman to buy in bulk or shop along the stretch (especially) during the festive season.”

Chandra Shegar said having a trial run would at least allow City Hall to assess the impact of the closure.

“But since the decision has been made, they should reconsider it.”

On Facebook, users like Naz Reena questioned how visitors entering the city were expected to access the multistorey car parks in Masjid India.

“This is illogical, but we will wait and see.”

Another user, Foon Peng Kheong, supported the move, saying there was a need to reduce vehicles in Kuala Lumpur.

“You get caught in a jam anyway. Let’s hope the survey they (City Hall) carried out reflects the sentiment on the ground.”

Kuala Lumpur resident Naufal Noori said ridesharing app drivers avoided the area as it was congested. She believed the move was a good idea.

“Passengers will find an alternative.”

Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan had reportedly said if the implementation went well, City Hall would allow bazaar traders who applied for business licences to operate in the area during Ramadan.

He said the entire stretch could accommodate up to 200 lots, which could also be used for other festivities.

Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad said the move would safeguard the interests of business owners whose shops at the old site of the Ramadan bazaar were affected.