I WISH to comment on Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) outdoor dining policy related to the use of public walkways and five-foot ways.
I understand that the policy is intended to revitalise economic activities in the city and provide opportunities for hawkers and small traders to increase their income.
Efforts to help small traders earn a livelihood are certainly worthy of support.
However, I wish to emphasise that public walkways, including five-foot ways, are primarily meant for the use of pedestrians.
They must remain accessible and convenient so that people can move safely around the city.
But I do understand the concerns of hawkers and small traders who may be affected if the use of public spaces for their businesses is restricted.
We therefore need a balanced approach that allows them to earn a livelihood without compromising public safety.
We cannot, however, ignore the safety risks that have occurred in the past, including incidents where vehicles have crashed into hawker stalls, tables and chairs.
Such incidents can endanger not only the public but also hawkers, their workers and customers.
I therefore urge DBKL to carefully review the implementation of this policy and ensure that safety considerations are given the highest priority.
Any relaxation involving the use of public spaces for outdoor dining should be accompanied by clear safety guidelines, proper risk assessments and effective enforcement.
DBKL should also consult all relevant stakeholders, including hawkers’ associations, safety experts, residents’ associations, pedestrians and the public, before implementing any changes that may affect the use of public walkways.
We must ensure that pedestrian walkways remain safe, accessible and unobstructed, particularly for senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities.
The principle should be clear: public safety must never be compromised in the name of economic activity.
We must find a practical balance that enables hawkers and small traders to earn a living while ensuring the safety of pedestrians, traders, customers and road users.
The safety and well-being of people and liveability of Kuala Lumpur must always remain our shared priority.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Chairman, Alliance for a Safe Community
