Pusat Penjaja Bandar Seri Permaisuri is a vibrant food spot with over 30 hawkers . — Photos: AZMAN GHANI/The Star
AN inventory of locations and traders at food courts and hawker centres in Kuala Lumpur is needed before any upgrades are rolled out, say traders and patrons.
They say planned works must be carefully tailored to conditions at each site to ensure the upgrades are effective.
Others feel that a survey of existing traders should be carried out to ensure that those given spots are still operating and not depriving others of the opportunity to do business.
Traders at Pusat Penjaja Desa Tun Razak say limited parking discourages customers.
Their views were in response to the RM200mil allocation announced under Budget 2026 to redevelop ageing hawker centres and food courts across the capital.
The funds will be allocated to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for upgrade works.
According to Yee, only 10 stalls are open at Pusat Penjaja Metro Prima in Kepong. — Courtesy photo
Deserted hawker centres
At a hawker centre in Bandar Tun Razak, only five out of 20 stalls were open on a weekday afternoon.
However, not all five stalls at Pusat Penjaja Desa Tun Razak were for diners – two were being used as bases for catering businesses, one for food and another for desserts.
Food and beverage operator Abdul Nasir said the traders were relocated to the centre from nearby roadside stalls about eight years ago to make way for development.
Visible water leakage seen at the hawker centre in Bandar Tun Razak.
“Many of the lots have been empty for some years,” he said, adding that the situation had affected the overall atmosphere and appeal of the hawker centre.
Abdul noted that the centre was in a good location but lacked visitor-friendly features and a sufficient number of active traders to draw customers.
Despite several high-rise residential buildings in the surrounding area, the centre has failed to attract customers.
“Some stallholders have opted to use the premises as storage spaces or for catering operations instead of running full-service food stalls,” he said.
A paid parking system was introduced at Pusat Penjaja Bandar Seri Permaisuri in 2024.
Rameli Manaf, who has been selling drinks at the centre for the past eight years, said basic facilities at the hawker centre needed attention, particularly the toilets, which he described as outdated and poorly maintained.
“Parking is the main challenge for both traders and customers, as lack of spaces discourages people from stopping by, especially during peak hours.”
According to Rameli, accessibility issues also contributed to the centre’s low visitor numbers.
“With proper planning and targeted upgrades, this place can better serve residents in the area,” he said.
Both Abdul and Rameli said DBKL should ensure only legitimate operators were allowed to open at the site.
Community activist Yee Poh Ping said DBKL should carry out a census of traders legitimately trading at food courts before implementing any redevelopment or upgrading works.
He said some operators ceased business but had not cleared out of their spots.
“These operators have not updated their status with DBKL and are depriving others who want to trade there.”
He cited as an example, Pusat Penjaja Metro Prima in Kepong, where “out of 28 stalls, only 10 are open”.
He said this was despite an RM800,000 upgrade of the food court conducted in 2023.
Yee added that the suitability of food court locations should be reviewed, taking into consideration accessibility, nearby communities and usage levels.
“There should be existing catchment areas such as high-density residential and commercial areas and easy accessibility.”
DBKL did not respond to requests for a list of food courts it plans to upgrade and allocations.
Muin says Bandar Seri Permaisuri hawker centre is more comfortable with additional roofing.
Thriving facility
Just a short distance from Desa Tun Razak is Pusat Penjaja Bandar Sri Permaisuri that is seeing booming business, especially since the facility was upgraded.
In 2023, DBKL upgraded the food court, including extending the roof in front of each eatery to cover the dining area.
StarMetro previously reported that upgrades cost about RM825,000, which also comprised enhancing the children’s playground.
The project was undertaken following requests by traders, who said their customers had been uncomfortably exposed to the elements.
Pusat Penjaja Bandar Sri Permaisuri association chairman Zolkhoari Abdul Aziz said there were no major complaints from traders, particularly after the upgrading work was completed.
He said an extended awning was built to better protect traders and customers from the rain and sun, improving overall comfort.
Zolkhoari says there were no major complaints after Penjaja Bandar Sri Permaisuri was upgraded.
“We were previously operating by the roadside before being relocated to this site in 2013.
“The centre is attracting about 6,000 visitors a day and up to 10,000 on weekends and public holidays,” he said, adding that 34 hawkers operated at the food court.
Zolkhoari said access had also improved since a paid parking system was introduced late last year.
Many traders at food courts used to operate at roadside stalls.
“Previously, the limited parking was used by nearby apartment residents and train commuters.
“This was affecting our business, so we requested DBKL to implement the paid-parking system.”
While visitors are required to pay, parking is free for traders.
Parking now costs RM2 for the first hour and RM3 for the subsequent hour with a maximum charge of RM40 daily.
Abdul: Pusat Penjaja Desa Tun Razak is in a good location but lacks visitor-friendly amenities.
For parking that exceeds 24 hours, RM100 is charged. The fine to unclamp cars is RM50.
Zolkhoari suggested installing a welcome arch at the entrance and developing a small recreational space at the nearby green area.
Regular customer Muin Abdul Manaf said the hawker centre was a popular spot for families and groups.
“There is a wide range of food options at affordable prices.
“Before the additional roofing was installed, the dining area used to feel cramped and uncomfortable, especially during peak lunch hours when it was crowded.
Now, it’s much more comfortable for everyone who eats here.”
