A new Jalan Melayu Bazaar sign among the upgrades by DBKL. (Left) The upgrade provides shoppers and traders a more comfortable environment. — Photos: SAMUEL ONG/The Star
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) plans to turn the Jalan Melayu bazaar into a permanent retail space.
In a statement to StarMetro, DBKL said this was part of the second phase of the project at the bazaar situated near Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.
The improvements so far include the installation of a new “Bazar Jalan Melayu” signage, decorative lights and replacement of 90 canopies with new units featuring covered sides.
DBKL has also repaired damaged floors, drains, manhole covers, roofs, downpipes and gutters as well as carried out cleaning works to clear the area of tree roots, stumps and old canopies.
The newly upgraded canopies perching above the stalls provide for a more comfortable shopping experience.
“Thorough cleaning works were also carried out to clear drains and dispose of the old canopies,” it said.
Works were completed in 54 days and traders had resumed operations on Feb 21, DBKL added.
Talk of upgrading the area has been ongoing since January when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged DBKL to inspect dilapidated trading spots around Jalan Masjid India, located about 200m from Jalan Melayu.
Upgrading works began on Feb 3, starting with canopy replacement.
StarMetro had previously reported that DBKL had planned for a two-phase project, starting with standardising the layout of stalls and carrying out infrastructure repairs.
According to DBKL, long-term plans involved upgrading the bazaar into a permanent retail space.
“The existing stalls will be converted into shops.
“DBKL is currently seeking tenders for the project, which is expected to begin around December.
“Besides giving the area a new look, the upgrades are aimed at enhancing the experience for tourists, supporting local traders and preserve heritage elements,” it said.
Persatuan Peniaga Bazar Melayu Moden Kuala Lumpur president Hamidi Abd Hamid welcomed the long-term initiative, calling it a positive effort by City Hall to create a more appealing environment for traders.
“I hope similar efforts can be carried out in other parts of Kuala Lumpur so small traders and hawkers can operate in a more orderly environment,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hamidi also suggested DBKL allow traders to offer food and beverages to broaden the appeal of the bazaar.
“Currently, we are only allowed to sell dry goods such as clothes.
“A food and drink zone for visitors could improve the bazaar,” he said.
While he has yet to see a major increase in business, Hamidi was optimistic that the bazaar would grow in popularity especially with Visit Malaysia 2026 approaching.
