City folk: Keep walkways clear

Kuala Lumpur residents and diners have expressed concerns over the city hall's decision to permit restaurants to place tables and chairs on walkways. They argue that this move jeopardizes public safety, hinders access for vulnerable individuals, and prioritizes revenue for the local government over efficient urban mobility.

Nizam Hamid, a 42-year-old hotelier from Jalan Klang Lama, emphasized that forcing pedestrians onto streets, instead of designated walkways, poses a significant safety risk. He stressed the importance of evaluating this potential hazard before any approval is granted.

Food establishments have historically served as sheltered pedestrian corridors, providing a safe passage alongside commercial areas. The practice of dining on sidewalks also creates physical obstructions for foot traffic, which is considered discriminatory. Hotelier Nizam Hamid believes the decision was made to maximize profit for eateries rather than improving the well-being of the community.

Dentist Dr Sonia A., 35, from Bangsar Baru, echoed these concerns, stating that allowing eateries to encroach on footpaths undermines pedestrian safety. She argued that walkways were intended to serve their original purpose as walkways and felt overcrowded, particularly in high-traffic areas where most restaurants are located. As a parent of a baby girl, Dr Sonia expressed her worry about the safety of vulnerable pedestrians.

Food and beverage operator Desonny Tuzan dismissed the idea as "stupid," acknowledging that while it may benefit businesses, it is detrimental to pedestrians. He pointed out that tables placed on sidewalks adjacent to roads will cause overcrowding. Tuzan also highlighted that the disabled, especially wheelchair users, will face difficulties maneuvering through the obstructions created by these dine-on-walkway setups.

He emphasized that this is not a fair solution, as parking is already a challenge, and now wheelchair users must navigate around blocked walkways.