A ROW of colourful food cabins at a former carpark opposite Universiti Malaya (UM) in Section 12, Petaling Jaya in Selangor, is drawing everyone’s attention.
The entrance to the carpark along Jalan Prof Diraja Ungku Aziz has a signage identifying the place as “Tapak Food Park”.
The carpark is where several bungalows were previously located.
While some Section 12 residents welcome the future street eatery, they are cautious about problems.
Former Section 12 Residents Association (RA) president Mahan Singh Gill said the cleanliness aspect must be the key focus once it opens for business.
He was concerned about the safety of the pedestrians, especially university students, when they cross the busy road.
“I think it is all right to have this eatery area. However, maintaining cleanliness is important. Accessibility to this place is important, too.
“At the moment, there is no proper crossing and this matter must be addressed. We do not want any accidents here.
“I also do not see a proper walkway leading to this place especially for seniors like me,” said Mahan.
Another former Section 12 RA president Tan Sri Megat Najmuddin Megat Khas was concerned about waste management of the place once business starts.
“This place will be rat-infested if there is no proper waste management. I think it is not a good move to have eateries here.
“I live about 50m away from this spot and I don’t want this,” he said, adding that residents’ welfare must be taken care of.
“Previously when it was a parking area, it was not utilised because it was not well maintained.
“Turning this place into an eatery spot at the expense of residents is not the way to go,” said Megat Najmuddin.
Sue Sidhu, a Section 12 resident, said the food park was a good idea to provide options for UM staff, students and those who need to spend long hours at the hospital.
“It used to be a dark place and it was linked to a semi jungle.
“I used to see suspicious characters hanging out there at night. This food place would change the landscape,” she said.
Sue noted that it would also help generate economic growth.
As for the potential problem of rodents, she said the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) would need to carry out frequent inspections.
MBPJ did not provide feedback on this matter before press time, while the land owner refused to comment.