Parts of the roofing over Petaling Street are dirty or damaged. — Filepic
Chinatown’s much-awaited facelift by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), set to begin this week, is expected to take approximately seven months to complete.
The project includes replacing the deteriorated roof over Petaling Street and reorganising existing electrical cables which are currently sticking out from traders’ stalls.
Kuala Lumpur Advisory Board member Andre Lai said construction would commence this week and was scheduled for completion on Oct 13.
Ang assures that the traders will give their full cooperation to DBKL during the upgrade period.
“According to DBKL, the project also includes installing individual electricity meters for each licensed trader and replacing the existing kiosk canopy to provide better shelter from the rain.
“The columns supporting the large roof structure will also receive a fresh coat of paint,” he told StarMetro.
Lai also said the project would be carried out in phases to minimise disruption to traders along Petaling Street.
“DBKL will engage with traders and the project contractor to ensure work goes on smoothly.”
On Jan 24, StarMetro reported that Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif had announced plans to replace roofing along Petaling Street.
The initiative is part of DBKL’s beautification efforts to enhance one of Kuala Lumpur’s top tourist destinations in preparation for the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.
Kuala Lumpur Hawkers and Petty Traders Association chairman Datuk Seri Ang Say Tee said he was pleased that the beautification project had finally materialised.
He said the roof was old and some parts were dirty and damaged, raising safety concerns among traders.
“The association submitted an application to DBKL in 2019 but plans were put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020,” said Ang.
“Last year, there were discussions about installing Chinese-inspired motifs and decorative backdrops for the stalls.
“However, we objected, as the street is already crowded.”
Ang also assured that traders would fully cooperate during the construction period.
“Traders will be divided into four to six groups, with each group ceasing operations for two to three months to facilitate the upgrading process.
“We are still in discussions with DBKL.
“It is ideal if City Hall can identify a temporary location for traders to continue operating.
“Currently, there are 773 licensed traders, and over 100 are likely to be affected at any given time,” he said.
Ang also expressed his gratitude to DBKL for upgrading Petaling Street, but urged the authority to also consider improving Jalan Hang Lekir, which intersects Jalan Petaling.
“The stalls along Jalan Hang Lekir are old and in need of refurbishment,” he said.
