Kerbs higher than 15cm in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, can be difficult for pedestrians to navigate.
Public infrastructure is an important task undertaken by local authorities.
Earlier this year, I saw Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) making an effort to maintain and upgrade footpaths along main roads to facilitate pedestrian movement and also for the benefit of residents who exercise.
But it seems that DBKL cannot get the infrastructure for pedestrians right.
I have observed the ongoing kerb replacement work being undertaken by contractors along Jalan Maarof and was disappointed to see their work. The location is on a sloped stretch of the road, near Bangsar Shopping Centre.
Kerbs higher than 15cm and a lack of proper footpaths can pose problems for pedestrians, especially senior citizens.
There is also no minor ramp to help pedestrians pulling trolleys.
In addition, the walkway is on the grass, which is not appropriate for walking.
To make things more difficult, there are plants, shrubs, signboards and even fire hydrants along the path.
Traffic along Jalan Maarof is normally very heavy and I have seen pedestrians on the road jumping out of the way to avoid speeding vehicles.
Proper footpaths are important in this area.
Similar challenges appear along Jalan Bukit Pantai, which has footpaths that connect to Jalan Cenderai in Lucky Garden.
I was surprised to see a 15cm-wide footpath with a wider grass verge. That is quite narrow!
I wonder if pedestrians are expected to slide within the narrow foot path or manoeuvre around the challenging grass verge, which has trees and lamp posts in its way.
It is pointless to provide such kerbs and non-user-friendly footpaths.
There are many pedestrians out and about in the area, not to mention children from a nearby school along Jalan Cenderai.
It is time for DBKL officers to come down to the sites to see what the actual conditions are and build functional footpaths.
I would urge the officers to take another look at their plans before implementing the schemes?
I hope the authorities will look into my suggestions for improvement.
SAFETY FOR PEDESTRIANS
Kuala Lumpur
