Vehicles from Jalan Rembia cut across Jalan Alor to exit to Jalan Bukit Bintang, so traders want traffic cones to be placed along the junction to warn pedestrians. — Photos by CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
THE closure of Jalan Alor in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, to vehicular traffic from 6pm to 3am daily effective July 1 has generally been well received by most businesses in the area.
However, its implementation was not smooth and faced opposition by some business operators in this famous street food haven.
Hawker and Dealers Association of Alor Street secretary Simon Ang said the move to close the road, while laudable, could be improved and urged Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to reach out to all stakeholders in the area before making it a permanent closure.
“DBKL only invited me and the representative from Plaza Low Yat to a meeting on June 26 about the road closure.
“However, the residents, hoteliers, premises and building owners were not invited for the meeting.
Ang says DBKL should have had more engagement with stakeholders before going ahead with plans to close Jalan Alor to vehicular traffic from 6pm to 3am daily.
“We were only given five days to make the necessary adjustments for our operations and I was told that the closure was only a trial run,” he said.
According to Ang, a notice of closure of Jalan Alor and Jalan Bukit Bintang was first put up on May 22 followed by a meeting with DBKL at the end of May.
The meeting was attended by Ang and the Plaza Low Yat representative where both had opposed the road closures.
The plan was put aside until the end of June when DBKL announced the closure of Jalan Alor while Jalan Bukit Bintang was not affected.
Previously, DBKL Urban Transportation Department deputy director Muhammad Azri Abdul Aziz was quoted in The Star’s online portal that the closure would transform Jalan Alor into a pedestrian mall to enhance safety and create a better experience for both diners and pedestrians.
Meanwhile, Ang made several suggestions in relation to the Jalan Alor closure to vehicles.
“Vehicles that use Jalan Rembia have to exit by using an access road cutting through Jalan Alor to get to Jalan Bukit Bintang.
“Traffic cones should be placed along the junction of the access road and Jalan Alor to warn pedestrians of oncoming cars.
“Since Jalan Alor is closed, there is no information from DBKL on whether food delivery riders can access the premises and stalls here to pick up food.
“We are in the midst of compiling feedback from our stakeholders and may hire a People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) officer to guide traffic at the road entrance,” said Ang.
He hoped that DBKL would not issue new trader licences now that there was a daily road closure, as the area was already packed with hawkers and traders.
Currently, the association is assisting DBKL to place cones when needed.
Tan says DBKL should station more enforcement officers in Jalan Alor to oversee the road closure from 6pm to 3am.
Another notice board on the road closure has been erected opposite the entrance of Jalan Alor, stating that the closure is to facilitate commercial activities.
Most of the business owners whom StarMetro spoke to, said the closure would enhance safety and ease of movement for tourists visiting this popular food destination.
Those interviewed also hoped that this move would draw more patrons to the area.
Drinks seller Bobby Wong said the road closure might pose some inconvenience to the traders at first, but they would find ways to adjust.
“For example, if I run out of supplies like ice in the evening, the ice truck will not be able to reach me.
“So we have to make arrangements for a different pick-up spot or have them send extra stock in the morning,” he said.
Fruits seller Tan Eng Poh, 61, whose shop is next to the Jalan Alor entrance, said tourists could now walk along the street without worrying about oncoming vehicles.
“It will be a more pleasant environment for pedestrians and hopefully that brings more business for the hawkers and traders.
“However, DBKL should station more enforcement officers in the area to ensure that traffic cones are not stolen after we leave.”
