You know how Malaysians tend to always compare Kuala Lumpur to other major cities in the world like the Netherlands, Tokyo, and Copenhagen, where people are encouraged to walk or ride their bicycles to go from one place to another?
Photo: New Straits Times
Well, that could soon become a reality as 10 major roads in the city will be made pedestrian-friendly in a span of five years - including Jalan Raja and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (TAR) this year.
According to Malay Mail, Kuala Lumpur mayor, Datuk Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan reportedly spoke about Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL)’s plans to close a few stretches in Bangsar, Brickfields and Bukit Bintang.
“We will be revisiting Jalan TAR’s trial run that was suspended last year. Our vision is to see it connected to Jalan Raja until the intersection at Leboh Pasar Besar,” he was quoted saying.
There will also be awareness campaigns, public engagements and consultations to help educate and facilitate the public during the test runs for the closing of the roads.
The mayor also noted that such road closures have been successfully implemented in other countries such as Singapore’s Arab Street and Haji Lane, and the Portobello Road in London.
The plan to close off these major KL roads is to make them more pedestrian-friendly and will be a part of DBKL’s transport master plan due to be completed this year.
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
