Call to rebuild walkway from Kepong Baru MRT station

Pedestrians have to walk along the main road to get to the shoplots from the Kepong Baru MRT station.

RESIDENTS in Kepong want authorities to build a walkway from the Kepong Baru MRT Gate B to the branch of a bank in Jalan Kepong.

There used to be a walkway connecting a vacant parking lot there to the bank.

However, this was removed once the MRT station was built and began operations on June 16.

Now, those exiting from Gate B are forced to climb over a guardrail and walk along the main road to the bank.

This is not only dangerous but also poses accessibility problems for senior citizens and the less able-bodied, said Kepong residents.

Salesperson Liew Tze Qing, 38, when met at the bank, said: “I am 181cm tall and find it difficult to climb over the guardrail. I cannot imagine the hazards a shorter person or senior citizens face in trying to walk to the bank.”

Ng Kui Fund, 68, complained about the hazards posed by construction debris left at the site of the old walkway.

“This is extremely dangerous, especially at night, as people may trip and hurt themselves.

“The authorities need to act now,” said the homemaker.

Community activist Yee Poh Ping, who highlighted the issue at a press conference, has forwarded multiple complaints from the public to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

However, Yee said DBKL told him it was not their responsibility to rebuild the walkway, and instead referred him to Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp).

“MRT Corp told me they would liaise with DBKL on the matter,” said Yee.

He added that DBKL should have ensured all safety regulations at the site were followed before allowing the station to begin operations.