An excavator clearing debris at Pantai Lido in preparations to reopen the beach to the public.
THE reopening of Pantai Lido should be accompanied by a few public amenities and attractions so it can be turned into a tourist spot in Johor Baru.
Johor Baru Petty Traders and Small Business Owners Association secretary Mohammad Salezan Mohd Salleh said the beach used to be a recreational area over a decade ago before it was closed to the public.
“We hope it can be turned into a place where families and friends can come and spend their time together like they used to do,” he said when contacted.
“If we look at our city right now, all we have is enormous buildings everywhere, and there is a lack of places for people to gather.
“But at the same time, people should be advised to keep the beach clean before any amenities are introduced.”
On another matter, Mohammad Salezan said Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) was in the midst of relocating the Bazaar Karat from Jalan Segget to a new location near the Johor Tourism Information Centre.
“The current location is not conducive as it can no longer sustain a large number of traders, which is about 400.
“So the city council has decided to move us to a much larger location,” he said, adding that this was better in order to make Johor Baru an international city.
Johor Tourist Guides Association chairman Jimmy Leong said the beach should be turned into a parking space to reduce congestion in the city.
“I think what Johor Baru needs is more parking spaces combined with a shuttle service to ferry people from the parking lots to their destination,” he said.
“Right now, the shuttle service is only available at Danga Bay but it can be extended to other areas.
“The beach has been closed for very long. It is high time for it to be reopened so it can generate income for the locals.”
Johor Baru mayor Datuk Noorazam Osman said the reopening of Pantai Lido was in line with the state government’s Johor Bersih initiative introduced by Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
“We want to create a conducive, clean, and sustainable city, and for this, we need every stakeholder to play their role in improving the amenities.”
Some immediate efforts taken in preparation of the beach’s reopening include dismantling a stretch of hoarding.
“The hoarding have been blocking the view of the Straits of Johor,” he said.
Noorazam said MBJB also welcomed suggestions from developers on recreational activities that could be held on the beach.
“We can consider a short-term project to attract tourists while maintaining beach cleanliness.
“The city council is also in talks with a developer on turning one part of the beach into temporary parking bays.
“The site will be equipped with a connecting bridge, a pedestrian crossing, and ample lighting.”
