A two-phase upgrade involving static traders operating along Jalan Hang Lekir in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur, is expected to be completed by the end of January next year.
Under the project, new stalls – each equipped with an individual electricity meter – will be installed along the road.
Bukit Bintang Residents Representative Council (MPPWP) chairman Ben Fong said the first phase started in August and was set for completion on Nov 15.
“The first phase involves upgrades along a 100m stretch of Jalan Hang Lekir from Jalan Sultan to Jalan Petaling, while the second phase will cover another 100m from Jalan Petaling to Jalan Tun HS Lee.
“Traders affected by the first phase can resume operations on Nov 16.
“Those affected by the second phase must cease operations by Nov 16 to facilitate upgrades scheduled for completion on Jan 31,” he told StarMetro.
The upgrades are part of Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) broader Petaling Street beautification project.
Ben said the affected traders were given RM1,500 a month to tide them over while their stalls were closed.
“This is also a good time for traders who wish to transfer their DBKL operating permits to family members,” he said.
He added that the project cost about RM2.5mil.
Meanwhile, a 50m stretch of nearby Lorong Panggung is also receiving a much-needed facelift with installation of interlocking hexagonal blocks.
Kuala Lumpur advisory board member Lee Bing Hong said the road was previously damaged and uneven.
“The multicoloured interlocking blocks create an improved pedestrian area for visitors.
“Costing RM50,000, it is funded by Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun’s office through an allocation from the Implementation Coordination Unit under the Prime Minister’s Department.
“We have also removed some abandoned stalls from Lorong Panggung,” said Lee.
He said the project would also gauge visitors’ response to the beautification efforts.
“We hope visitors approve of the project, as we plan to extend the tiling from Lorong Bandar 22 to Jalan Sang Guna and onto Lorong Panggung.
“This will boost walkability in the area,” he added.
