THIS year’s “Safe City” project in Pandan Indah aims to make walking around the Selangor neighbourhood safer by combining urban design with crime prevention.
Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) has identified a stretch of Jalan Pandan Indah 6/1, from LRT Cempaka station to Medan Selera Pandan Indah, as the focus area.
The RM500,000 project is funded by Home Ministry, coordinated by Town and Country Planning Department (PlanMalaysia) and due for completion in October.
MPAJ deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari said the local council worked with the police, councillors and residents to select the site.
“Safety is not just about enforcement, but also about designing streets and public spaces in ways that naturally deter crime.
“By improving lighting, walkways and barriers, we want residents to feel confident moving around their neighbourhood at any time,” he told StarMetro.
Hasrolnizam said Jalan Pandan Indah 6/1 was chosen because of its heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic as well as safety complaints from locals.
The project includes closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras linked to police and MPAJ control centres, upgraded walkways with protective railings, landscaping, drainage cleaning, safety signage and barriers.
“All these measures are planned using urban design principles to prevent crime before it happens,” said Hasrolnizam.
He highlighted that community involvement was another key feature.
“We expect a reduction in street crimes like snatch thefts, car break-ins and motorcycle thefts.
“More importantly, residents will feel confident and secure, and the area will become more vibrant, friendly and liveable,” he added.
The initiative is part of the national “Safe City” programme, first introduced in 2013 through PlanMalaysia’s “Blackspot Area Whitening” initiative.
According to the programme website, “blackspots” are areas with high crime rates.
These are identified by local authorities and the police before being prioritised for upgrades.
The programme tackles “blackspots” with both physical improvements and community engagement.
Physical upgrades include street lighting, dedicated walkways, railings, motorcycle parking, signage, security mirrors and traffic calming features.
Community engagement comes through safety campaigns and voluntary patrols.
MPAJ councillor and Safe City working committee chairman R. Moganraj said past projects had shown positive results.
“The first two locations were Jalan Wawasan in Bandar Baru Ampang and the area near Tasik Tambahan recreational park.
“Since the projects were completed, we have received feedback that walkability has improved.
“More students are now walking to school because safety has improved, whereas previously there were no barriers between the road and the walkway,” Moganraj added.
