Pedestrian walkways no place for chairs and tables
KUALA LUMPUR: A coalition of residents’ associations is gravely disappointed with the government and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) over the decision to allow restaurant operators to place tables and chairs on public walkways.
In Kuala Lumpur, residents' associations are expressing strong disapproval of the city government's decision to permit restaurants to place tables and chairs on public walkways. Datuk M. Ali, chairman of Save Kuala Lumpur, expressed deep frustration over the lack of public consultation and questioned the prioritization of business operators over the safety and interests of residents.
Ali asked where the government engagement was and why there was secrecy surrounding the matter. He criticized the implementation and announcement of the decision without prior engagement with the public, calling it a lack of the Madani spirit. Ali specifically pointed out the safety hazard that these obstructions pose to pedestrians, stating that they put lives at great risk.
He also noted that this decision contradicts the city's long-term urban planning framework, the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040. Ali blamed the government for allowing the initiative to proceed without grassroots feedback and demanded an explanation from Minister Hannah Yeoh and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud. He encouraged residents to raise their objections and object through the ADU@KL website.
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