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KUALA Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has clarified that the current signage At Petaling Street adheres to official guidelines and policies, and there are no plans to alter or remove the Chinese script.
DBKL then went on to refute claims that there was a proposal to remove the Chinese characters from the signboard, labelling the allegations as baseless.
DBKL clarified that the current signage adheres to official guidelines and policies, and there are no plans to alter or remove the Chinese script.
"We refer to media reports claiming that there is a proposal to remove the Chinese characters from the 'Jalan Petaling' signboard.
"These allegations are untrue, and we wish to inform the public that the signboard installed at the Jalan Petaling hawker centre complies with the established guidelines and policies.
"As of now, DBKL has no plans or proposals to alter or remove the Chinese characters from the signboard," it said in a statement.
DBKL also explained that all decisions regarding signboards are made in accordance with the Federal Territory Advertisement By-Laws 1982, while taking into account heritage, cultural aspects, and the needs of the local community.
"Any changes to signboards will go through a thorough evaluation process. We wish to advise the public not to be influenced by these baseless allegations and to refer to DBKL for accurate information.
"We remain committed to ensuring that Kuala Lumpur continues to be an inclusive city that respects the cultural diversity and heritage of all communities."
On Sunday (Feb 23), MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong expressed concerns about preserving Chinese signage in Petaling Street, emphasising its deep-rooted cultural and historical significance.
He was responding to concerns raised by Kuala Lumpur Hawkers and Petty Traders Association chairman Datuk Ang Say Tee at a Chinese New Year open house in Petaling Street, co-hosted by the Federal Territories MCA and the association.
Recalling its heritage, Wee shared that as a child, he learned about Yap Ah Loy, who established a tapioca flour factory there in the late 1800s, supplying the global market.
"His efforts symbolised the hard work of our ancestors," he said.
He noted that Petaling Street, once Kuala Lumpur’s commercial hub, remains a well-known tourist attraction. MCA, he added, will continue supporting efforts to safeguard its history and identity.
"As long as Malay signage remains prominent, Chinese characters should not be erased," he said.
"Our ancestors built communities here, contributing to education and culture. It would be illogical if we can’t even retain Chinese signage in Petaling Street."
