Concerns over wider paths
NARROWING roads in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, may reduce illegal parking and speeding, but some fear wider pedestrian walkways could lead to more roadside stalls on already congested paths.
Brickfields Rukun Tetangga chairman SKK Naidu welcomed the Road Safety Project by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), describing it as a necessary initiative to protect schoolchildren in the area.
Lakshmi says the stalls along the walkways are a real nuisance. However, he cautioned that although the redesign might address illegal parking, wider walkways could unintentionally encourage more stalls to appear if enforcement is not tightened.
'We need proper oversight to keep these paths clear for pedestrians. Otherwise, we're just replacing one hazard with another.
'DBKL has done a good job building walkways in Brickfields, but many of these paths are misused by hawkers who set up stalls, especially near schools.
'These obstructions force pedestrians, including children, to walk on the road, which puts them in danger,' he said, adding that physical upgrades alone would fall short without consistent enforcement.
He also urged authorities to consider restricting heavy vehicles from entering school zones, particularly during peak hours, to enhance safety.
Poomalar says Motorists just don't respect the red light anymore. SJKT Vivekananda Parent- Teacher Association (PIBG) member Mathivanan Chandrasekar said he hoped the road redesign would compel vehicles to slow down through improved road planning.
'There are hundreds of schoolchildren here, including kindergarten pupils, and their lives are constantly at risk.
'Motorists don't even stop when the traffic light is red. We need action to protect our children,' he said.
Another resident, Poomalar, 73, added, 'Motorists just don't respect the red light anymore. They speed through as if it doesn't matter.
'I've had a few near misses myself, and once, I almost suffered a heart attack from the shock.
'I've seen children and elderly people trying to cross while cars whizz past. It's terrifying.
'What's the point of having traffic lights if no one obeys them?'
Meanwhile Sentral Suites resident Ann Lee said it was frustrating having to dodge chairs and tables placed along the walkways.
'It's like running an obstacle course to get to the train station.
'DBKL needs to stop this. Walkways are for pedestrians, not pop-up cafes,' she said.
Long-time resident K. Lakshmi, 68, said these stalls were a real nuisance.
'They're cooking on the walkway, frying vadai and selling tea and cakes right where people are supposed to walk.
'The oil spills onto the pavement, making it slippery and dangerous, especially for the elderly like me.
'I've even seen gas tanks being used in the open and placed on the walkway.
'It's a serious safety hazard. The walkway is meant for pedestrians, not stoves and frying pans.
'They should be relocated to proper trading spots before someone gets badly hurt.'
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