Affordable dining spots are important, says MPAJ

Medan Selera Lama Taman Melawati (above) tops the list of MPAJ’s food court upgrades, with its rundown interior space (right). — Photos: Low Lay Phon/The Star

FOOD courts in Ampang Jaya, Selangor, are set to undergo much needed upgrades and refurbishment this year.

Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) is allocating up to RM10mil over the next three to five years to improve infrastructure as well as enhance cleanliness and safety at the facilities.

MPAJ deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari said the move was timely as most of the food courts in the municipality were built over 20 years ago and required upgrades to remain functional.

Hasrolnizam: Most Ampang Jaya food courts are over 20 years old.

While acknowledging that these premises might not generate strong financial returns amid a changing business landscape with growing competition from kiosks, food trucks, mall food courts and food delivery services, Hasrolnizam said the council could not overlook their social importance.

“Many segments of the community continue to rely on these food courts, which have their own identity and serve as affordable dining and gathering spaces.

“We do not want to let these food courts die out.

“They are necessary, especially for lower-income groups, as they offer balanced meals and places for people to come together,” he told StarMetro.

The Medan Selera Lama Taman Melawati is visibly run down, with worn flooring, faded paint and ageing fixtures.

Hasrolnizam said the council was not planning large-scale redevelopment, but would instead take on targeted upgrades and improvements where needed to ensure the facilities remained clean and safe for visitors.

He said the upgrades would be carried out using MPAJ funds made available through effective budget management over the past three years, with an estimated RM5mil to RM10mil being set aside, including for improvements to community halls.

The first facility earmarked for upgrading is Medan Selera Lama Taman Melawati.

Hasrolnizam said the council could not shut down the food court.

“We recognise that it still draws people and provides a place for Ampang Jaya traders to earn a living,” he said, adding that MPAJ managed 15 food courts.

Other food courts identified for upgrades are located along Jalan Kolam Air Lama, as well as in Lembah Jaya, Pandan Indah and Teratai.

During StarMetro’s visit to the Taman Melawati food court, the place was visibly run down, with worn flooring, faded paint and ageing fixtures.

Several stalls showed signs of disrepair, while limited ventilation and poor lighting gave the space a cramped feel.