THE beautification and upgrading of Jalan Sang Guna has breathed new life into Kuala Lumpur’s historic Chinatown, transforming a once-dilapidated alleyway into a vibrant pedestrian link.
Previously marred by unhygienic conditions and worn-out stalls, it now features heritage storyboards and mural depicting traditional street hawking, and offers seamless access to Petaling Street.
Completed in January, it is the first phase of a wider master plan to upgrade Pasar Lee Lam Thye.
Bukit Bintang Federal Territories Residents Representative Council (MPPWP) chairman Ben Fong said the project was a collaborative effort between Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), the office of Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun, Think City, and Selangor and Federal Territory Kwong Siew Association.
“The lane beautification was carried out very carefully to avoid affecting existing building facades and utilities,” Ben said during a site visit.
“Beyond the visual improvements, DBKL also upgraded the drainage infrastructure to manage increased rainwater capacity, ensuring that pedestrians can move through the area with ease.
“Local traders are satisfied with the transformation, anticipating a positive economic spillover for the wider neighbourhood,” he said.
A striking red wooden archway inscribed with “Pasar Lee Lam Thye” now marks the intersection of Jalan Sang Guna and Jalan Tun HS Lee, funded by a RM200,000 allocation from the Bukit Bintang MP’s office.
Beneath it, interlocking tiles in shades of grey form a sophisticated film-strip pattern, a design choice inspired by the Madras Theatre, a former Chinatown landmark.
Think City senior manager Gan Yi Reng said the design paid homage to the historical significance of Jalan Sang Guna, affectionately known as “Drury Lane” between the 1880s and 1900s.
“This moniker was a nod to London’s Theatre Royal on Drury Lane, reflecting the area’s fame for Chinese theatrical performances,” he said.
According to a DBKL representative, the second phase is underway on land formerly occupied by the Pasar Karat.
This second stage includes construction of a dedicated hawker centre for 18 traders and modern public toilets.
“The Pasar Karat traders will be temporarily relocated to the carpark opposite the lot, while the third phase – constructing a permanent market complex – remains under discussion, with an estimated completion date of late 2027 or early 2028,” the representative said.
The final stage of the project is beautification of Lorong Bandar 22.
Also present during the site visit was DBKL Project Implementation and Building Maintenance Department deputy director Sriayuna Hilmi.
In a separate statement on social media, DBKL said it had rejuvenated Lorong Bandar 13 and lanes surrounding Jalan Yap Ah Loy under its wider restoration initiative.
It also said safety and cleanliness would be prioritised through installation of brighter streetlighting, closed-circuit TV cameras and restructured drainage to ensure a pedestrian-friendly environment.
