Poorly lit and dotted with cracked tiles, the underground parking facility beneath Dataran Merdeka has become a cause for concern. — Photos: SHAARI CHEMAT/The Star
VISITORS are raising concerns over dirty, poorly lit, and cracked structures at the underground carpark beneath Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur.
They are also unhappy about several non-functional parking payment machines there, which is causing great inconvenience.
Nadila Abd Rahim said that because of this, visitors tended to crowd at the remaining few machines still functional.
“The machines are also located far from each other, forcing us to walk some distance to pay for parking,” she said.
KC Chong, meanwhile, took issue with poor lighting at the underground facility, which she said posed a risk especially to women.
“Some parts of the carpark are very dark, which may encourage criminals to take advantage of the situation,” she said.
S. Ganesan said the parking facility reflected poorly on Kuala Lumpur and its readiness to welcome visitors ahead of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.
Several parking payment machines at the carpark are non-functional.
“This is a tourism hotspot,” she said.
“What kind of impression are we giving to people who visit?”
Amir Hakim Abdullah found the cracked floors and spots of discolouration on the walls thoroughly unpleasant.
“The relevant authorities should undertake works to repair and spruce up the parking facility,” he said.
Adrian Wong, meanwhile, said stronger penalties were needed to deter vandals and litterbugs in the area.
“I have seen some people throwing used plastic wraps on the ground.
“We cannot always blame the authorities; the public should behave responsibly too,” he added.
According to a banner displayed on site, the carpark operates between 6am and 8pm on weekdays and around the clock on weekends.
Owned by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), the facility is currently managed by a third party.
DBKL had yet to respond to requests for comment at press time.
