Mature politics: Mohamad Yusri (right) exchanging flyers with Bawani while they both campaign at the wet market in Tapah, Perak. — Bernama
TAPAH: While they had hoped that the by-election campaign period will result in brisk business, restaurant owners are claiming this has not been the case.
In fact, they claim that sales have worsened due to a recently implemented one-way traffic system in the town.
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K. Arakani, 58, owner of a curry house restaurant, said that business has taken a significant hit since the traffic changes were introduced.
“Ever since they implemented the one-way road system, we’ve been seeing fewer customers.
“Now, our sales have dropped by about 50%,” she said.
She added that fewer parking lots has also made it less convenient for customers to stop.
“Things are getting worse every day. Before this, my business was doing moderately well.
“I used to make around RM1,500 a day, but now its only between RM300 to RM400. I can’t even break even. My rent is RM2,000 and utilities cost RM700.”
Even with the election campaign ongoing, she said there was no noticeable improvement.
Another restaurant owner Muhd Asni Saleh, 58, said that sales spiked only during nomination day and the following day, but quickly returned to normal.
“Only on Saturday and Sunday last week did we see sales increase – to three times the usual amount.
“Normally, I get over 100 customers a day, but during those two days, it rose to around 400,” he said, adding that the traffic system has had a negative impact.
“Most of my customers are elderly or have toddlers with them. If there were pedestrian crossings, it would make it easier for them to cross the road safely.”
Meanwhile, Lee Say Yoong, 58, who has been running his eatery selling mixed rice for over 25 years, said he too did not experience any boost in business.
“They didn’t come to this side. Most of the people here are locals or workers nearby who come to eat. There was no increase in sales. Very few people came,” he said.
On Aug 23 last year, the Batang Padang Public Works Department implemented a one-way traffic system along Federal Road FT 001 (Section 539-540) and Jalan Majlis in Tapah.
During the trial period, two traffic lights in Tapah were deactivated to improve traffic flow.
However, the 1.5km route change was alleged to have disrupted businesses for petty traders and hawkers operating along the affected roads.
The issue also caught the attention of the late Ayer Kuning assemblyman Ishsam Shahruddin, who had actively advocated for the affected hawkers through dialogue sessions between their association and relevant stakeholders.
On March 28, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the first phase of the upgrading works for the one-way traffic system in Tapah, with a budget of RM2.2mil from the Federal Government, will take place from April 7 to 30.
He said among the works to be carried out include the conversion of the temporary route to a permanent one, resurfacing the road, building road dividers, installing new signage and painting new road markings.
Additionally, a new route will be opened to the mosque via Tapah Road, and improvements will be made at the intersection near SK Satu.
Saarani said that the second phase, costing RM17mil which involves the construction of a bypass route, will also begin this year following the completion of the first phase and is expected to be completed by 2027.
The work to be carried out in this phase includes the connection of FT001 Section 539.0 to FT059 Section 2.0, providing an alternative route for travellers between Cameron Highlands, Kampar and Bidor, allowing them to bypass Tapah Town.
Additionally, a new 300m route will be constructed to R5 standards, featuring two new intersections and street lighting.
Campaigning for the Ayer Kuning state seat is ongoing after its Umno incumbent Ishsam, 58, died from a heart attack.
It will see a three-corner fight between Barisan Nasional’s Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir, Abd Muhaimin Malek of Perikatan Nasional and PSM’s deputy secretary-general KS Bawani.
