Jejak Pahlawan: another white elephant in KL?

KUALA LUMPUR – Concerns are being raised over a multi-million promenade project among the city’s iconic intersections that have been mired in defective designs, and failing to meet its original intention of alleviating traffic congestion.

The project dubbed Jejak Pahlawan or Warrior’s Trail was launched on March 1 by Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim and is part of the Heritage Trail 5 (HT5) beautification project – meant to showcase the city’s cultural tapestry and history.

During the launch, Shahidan said Warrior’s Trail will be the city’s new attraction and a boost to tourism in the area. It is also expected to help bring business to locals.

In 2018, it was reported that HT5 will cost the federal government RM26 million and was due the same year.

However, the project stalled due to problems with the original contractor, according to Datuk Mahadi Che Ngah, who was quoted by Star Property then.

It was also reported that the project had begun construction on February 3, 2016, and was scheduled to be completed on January 31, 2017.

At the time, Mahadi was the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) project management executive director. He is currently the mayor.

The project utilised the previously empty space in Bulatan Dato Onn and turned it into a small promenade, which is supposed to have park benches, a fountain, and even pathways leading to a nearby hawker centre in Dataran Merdeka, while another underground pedestrian path was supposed to connect it to Jalan Raja Laut and Jalan Sultan Salahuddin.

However, concerns were raised over the project’s design and whether it was a location that would attract tourists.

The most perplexing part of its design is a massive two-ramp steel bridge that runs across the promenade. 

According to a source close to the matter, the steel ramp bridge was meant for motor vehicles, connecting Jalan Parlimen and Jalan Tun Perak.

Checks by The Vibes found that the steel bridge is now painted over with street decals and decorated with tall potted plants meant for pedestrian use.

At the end of each bridge, it appears that there are bolted-down metal frames festooned with potted plants along with a self-watering system meant to permanently close off the steel bridge to motor vehicles.

Signage meant to indicate the flow of traffic into the steel bridge can also be seen at the start of the bridge and at the end of Jalan Parlimen facing Bulatan Dato Onn.

Closer inspection also showed that only two steel stairs inside the promenade were connected to the steel bridge.

The original 3D rendering of the project showed that the promenade was designed as a street gallery.

The steel bridge was not included in all of the initial 3D renderings of the project.

It is important to note that a concrete overpass, Jalan Kinabalu, sits on top of Bulatan Dato Onn.

The steel bridge is built beneath the overpass, while the promenade is located below.

Similarly, the promenade is also prone to flooding as stone and concrete were used as the base flooring. 

The glass waterfall system installed in the promenade also seems to be poorly maintained. – The Vibes, September 25, 2022