Motorists and residents in Brickfields and Taman Tun Dr Ismail have criticised a pedestrian-focused road safety initiative.
The projects by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Global Designing Cities Initiative (GDCI) have come under scrutiny over increased traffic disruptions, weak enforcement, and concerns over emergency access.
Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad, which has 10 schools and residential buildings along the road, was redesigned with higher kerbs, wider walkways, raised crossings and bollards.
The upgrades − completed last month − are to slow vehicle speed, improve visibility and deter illegal parking.
Brickfields Rukun Tetangga deputy chairman Rajendran Periasamy said reducing the road from three lanes to two has only worsened traffic congestion.
“Instead of solving existing traffic problems, this has created more congestion,” he said.
He added that residents were disappointed that their request for more stakeholder engagement with DBKL was not met.
Central Suites condominium resident Sharon Wong said the redesign was good in principle but lacked enforcement.
“It is meant to improve safety and make the area more cyclist- and student-friendly.
“Now motorcyclists are parking on the expanded walkways.
“The space is not being used the way it is intended and the lack of strict enforcement is not helping,” she said.
SMK Vivekananda Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) chairman Kumaran Vengoral said the road redesign and lane reduction had left the pedestrian traffic light too low, making it hard for motorists to see it.
SJKT Vivekananda PTA chairman N. Saravanan said roadside stalls compounded the situation.
“There are too many stalls in front of and opposite the schools. Some are licensed, some are not.
“The walkway is crowded with traders.
"Some drivers even stop by the roadside to buy food,” he said.
He added that this was disrupting traffic flow.
In Taman Tun Dr Ismail, residents raised concerns that the project had narrowed the roads and affected access for emergency vehicles.
DBKL expanded the walkways and installed bollards at the Jalan Wan Kadir-Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad and Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad-Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 1 intersections.
In a statement, TTDI Residents Association (TTDIRA) said the upgrading project had reduced the width of Jalan Wan Kadir 1 and Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 1.
They said this potentially affected compliance with the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984, which required a minimum six-metre-wide fire access road.
A video from a Jan 13 test run showed a fire truck brushing against the bollards while turning into Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad.
TTDIRA also said the walkway extension along Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad had reduced the three-lane stretch to two lanes, worsening peak-hour congestion and encouraging illegal parking.
Meanwhile, DBKL Urban Transportation Department deputy director Muhammad Azri Abdul Aziz said adjustments were made following concerns raised in Taman Tun Dr Ismail.
He confirmed that a test was carried out with the Fire and Rescue Department, during which firefighters indicated that certain specifications were not suitable for their vehicles.
“We have made the necessary rectifications and will conduct a second test,” he told StarMetro.
Muhammad Azri said overall feedback on the Taman Tun Dr Ismail project had been positive as the initiative prioritised pedestrian safety.
“Many residents are happy because the focus is on putting people and pedestrians first.
“However, some dissatisfaction stemmed from the removal of illegal parking spaces, including near fire hydrants,” he said.
On the Brickfields project, Muhammad Azri said the upgrades were part of DBKL’s long-term plan of creating a more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly city.
He acknowledged complaints about motorcycles parking on walkways, stressing that this was an enforcement issue.
“Any design will face resistance, but compliance is crucial.
"Road users must respect rules and enforcement action will be taken where necessary,” he said.
