Jalan Yew shopowners say the roadworks and subsequent fewer parking bays will badly impact their businesses. — Filepic
Despite objections from stakeholders, the widening of Jalan Yew-Jalan Sungai Besi flyover in Kuala Lumpur is proceeding as planned.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has announced several road closures that will be implemented in phases to facilitate construction works, which will take place from next month until Dec 31, 2025.
The project includes the construction of a new ramp near the Loke Yew roundabout from Jalan Sungai Besi to Petaling Jaya.
Initiated in 2017, the project, which falls under the Finance Ministry and costs RM96mil, will be implemented by DBKL.
The widening of the flyover that connects Sungai Besi Highway and Kuala Lumpur-Seremban Expressway is to cater to motorists heading to Tun Razak Exchange (TRX).
Stakeholders have protested against it as the project is expected to take a few years to complete, which will disrupt business.
They also say the ramp will be built too close to their businesses.
They now have less than a month to prepare for road closures that will also affect motorists in the area.
Against the Widening of Jalan Yew Action Committee secretary Apple Chai said the group had a briefing with DBKL yesterday on the details of the project.
“Now, we have to focus on the measures that we can take to minimise the impact.
“Meetings with the authorities and stakeholders will follow so that everyone is clear about the project.
“I understand a ramp will be built on Jalan Yew to connect to the flyover.
“Roadworks and subsequent fewer parking bays will definitely affect businesses along Jalan Yew,” she said.
Malaysian Hawkers and Traders Association Coalition president Datuk Rosli Sulaiman said he would continue to work with DBKL to reduce the project’s impact on traders.
“Traffic flow around the area must remain smooth and traders in the area must not be affected,” he said.
Previously, Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai had written to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim asking for a temporary delay so that a more people- friendly alternative plan could be devised.
“The current plan would negatively impact businesses around Jalan Yew, Jalan Sungai Besi, Jalan Pudu, Jalan Pasar and Jalan Loke Yew.
“While I understand the need for the road widening project to better channel traffic to TRX, I hope the Prime Minister would compromise and seek an alternative plan that lessens the impact on stakeholders,” he said.
