The new roof lets in more light, making it brighter along the iconic Jalan Petaling shopping avenue. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
Chinatown could soon see more foot traffic and fewer cars, if a proposal to extend vehicle- free hours at two stretches of roads is accepted by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
Currently, the iconic shopping area’s pedestrian-friendly zone along Jalan Petaling and Jalan Hang Lekir in Kuala Lumpur is vehicle-free from 6pm to 11pm to facilitate night market operations.
However, Jalan Petaling stakeholders are suggesting that these hours be increased, from noon to 11pm daily.
Kuala Lumpur Hawkers and Petty Traders Association chairman Datuk Ang Say Tee said he wrote to DBKL earlier this month requesting the extension to provide a safer, hassle-free experience for visitors.
“The vehicle-free hours here started about three decades ago and has benefitted both shoppers and traders.”
Ang: Limiting vehicle access will improve visitor experience.
When open to traffic, visitors have to make way for vehicles, he said, adding that afternoons and evenings were the busiest times.
Ang said limiting vehicle access in the area would benefit tourists, especially as more visitors were expected due to the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.
“We want a safer shopping experience for visitors,” he told StarMetro.
DBKL has yet to approve the proposal.
During a site visit to Jalan Petaling, Ang thanked DBKL for actively engaging with stakeholders on the street’s beautification that was completed last month.
The project included replacing the roof, reorganising existing electrical cables, installing electricity meters for each stall and repainting the columns supporting the roof.
Chinese lanterns were recently strung up from the colourful new roof to mark the Lunar New Year, which falls on Feb 17.
“What’s left is to increase the awning height of the 40 stalls located near the Jalan Petaling and Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock junction.
“During the initial phase of the beautification project, traders observed that this element on the upgraded stalls were too low and DBKL increased the height in subsequent phases.
“Once the project was completed, DBKL retrofitted the original stalls from the first phase to match the new height specifications,” Ang said.
“The final touches will take a few weeks to complete as this will affect several stalls.”
Clothing vendor Ten Ah Fong, 78, was happy that DBKL made the stall awnings higher.
“Previously, tall visitors had to duck before entering the stall.Now it is easier for tourists to shop and the atmosphere is brighter,” said Ten who has been operating there for 60 years.
Ang hopes the old electrical wiring along Jalan Hang Lekir will also be replaced soon.
“A short-circuit last November affected the traders’ operations, so we hope Jalan Hang Lekir traders will also enjoy the same upgrades as those operating along Jalan Petaling,” he said.
