Tables and chairs at the park’s trading space set up by traders, with no shelter to protect visitors from the elements. — LEW GUAN XI/The Star
BETTER access and facilities are needed to draw more visitors to the Peoples Park in Damansara Damai, says traders there.
Persatuan Peniaga Vista Damansara Damai secretary Hairin Mohd Anis said that one of the major problems affecting them was traffic flow to the park in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
The park, also known as Urban Park 1, is on Jalan PJU10/1 in the section that is a one-way loop (see graphic).
“Visitors have to leave their vehicles at Damansara Damai Community Hall parking area and walk to the park.
“However, motorists on the outer lane cannot access the parking site directly because of a road divider across from the community hall entrance.
“They have to make a loop to access the inner lanes.
“Such an inconvenience has caused a loss of customers for many traders,” claimed Hairin, who sells banana fritters.
A check by StarMetro showed that motorists would have to make a 1.5km loop to return to the said entrance.
Hairin also urged Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) to instal signboards along Jalan PJU10/1 to better direct visitors to the park.
MBPJ recently announced a RM900,000 allocation to upgrade the park in its 2025 budget.
Hairin along with pineapple juice seller Mukhlis Rosyam, 29, urged the city council to consider placing proper tables and chairs in the park for visitors.
“The existing tables and chairs are from the traders themselves.
“If MBPJ placed more tables and chairs here, more visitors could hang out in the park after buying food and beverages from our stalls, especially in the evening,” said Hairin.
“While we are not insisting, it would be nice if MBPJ could build a shelter over the tables and chairs to protect visitors from the elements.”
Hairin also urged MBPJ to instal more lights in the park to make it safer at night.
Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said that the upgrade, expected to begin next year, would include improved basic facilities and infrastructure such as toilets, drains and roads.
“This is in line with MBPJ’s efforts to enhance its focus on a local council’s basic function, which is to provide facilities and services for the public,” he said at an MBPJ Deepavali event.
