A hawker centre managed by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) at Bulatan Dato Onn near Dataran Merdeka has been upgraded to include a rest area and amenities for delivery riders.
In addition to phone-charging stations, D’Tebing also offers meals priced at RM5 or less.
It was launched by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh and Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud yesterday.
Ratna Sari Devi Roslan, who has been running her eatery at D’Tebing for three years, said she gave out 100 packs of buttermilk chicken rice on the day of the launch.
Ratna said DBKL had paid each vendor for 500 packs of food to be given to delivery riders and the public this week through to Friday.
This was to encourage delivery riders to use the new facility.
“Next week onwards, we will offer Menu Rahmah meals at RM5 on weekdays, excluding public holidays, from 3pm to 5pm,” she said.
Ratna said that as the hawker centre was located in a tourist area, the Rahmah meals were aimed at meeting the needs of delivery riders who often came at that time for breaks before making their dinner deliveries.
“As these are also off-peak hours, it is a chance for us to drum up sales,” she added.
There are six shoplots at D’Tebing but only three are open, including the one run by Ratna.
One shop offers a nasi lemak and soft drink combo, alongside bagels and coffee.
A popular local coffee chain sells curry puffs and roti canai wraps with filling.
Muhammad Zarif Haiqal, one of the 70 delivery riders present at the launch, said it would be nice if a nasi campur shop opened there.
DBKL Licensing and Business Development deputy director Ahmad Johaan Othman said the area was developed in 2000 as part of the River of Life project.
“This place used to be known as Benteng and had 12 stalls. An upgrade was necessary as the stalls had become run down.”
On the lot rental, Ahmad Johaan said it would be set at RM500 per month until December 2027.
“The lots will only be rented to local vendors,” he said.
Ahmad Johaan said efforts would be made by DBKL to liven up the place since it was located at a popular tourist area.
“We will be putting up lights at night,” he said.
