KUALA LUMPUR – Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) announced today that a stretch of Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (TAR) will become fully pedestrian-friendly every Sunday by barring heavy vehicles into the area, in a bid to promote a culture of walking among city residents.
In a Facebook posting, DBKL said the intersection of Jalan Esfahan until Jalan Melayu will be closed to traffic every Sunday, from 6am to midnight starting today.
“It is DBKL’s wish to make Jalan TAR a family destination that should be visited more comfortably, in a relaxed and safe manner.
“Come over and visit Jalan TAR with the family. You can hang out here,” it said.
The stretch will also feature various artistic and soft recreational activities such as busking, portrait painting, henna decoration, and kiosks and lounges to give a new atmosphere to the area.
It also provides a space for children to have fun and play under staff supervision.
This initiative saw positive responses from netizens on Facebook, with all the comments in praise of DBKL for the significant move.
Facebook user Ammar Zafri pointed out that this is a reasonable effort by DBKL in making the city a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly place. He stressed the need to also improve and maximise the use of public transport.
Jai Detomaso said, “Good job, DBKL! This is what the city folk need after stressful days. This is the only place where you can hang out with your family.”
Another Facebook user, Mohamed Syahrizam, expressed his concern over business licences and permits.
“Good, it’s just that DBKL needs to monitor so that only traders with licences and permits operate in that area. This is so that it does not become like a night market and cleanliness is maintained,” he commented.
In August, Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias ha said that DBKL planned to close Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman to traffic to encourage the culture of walking among city folk.
“DBKL was conducting engagement sessions with the parties in the affected areas. This is an effort to upgrade the pedestrian infrastructure in Kuala Lumpur and the culture of ‘willingness to walk’ among city folk,” Jalaluddin had said. – The Vibes, August 28, 2022
