Cultivate the practice of walking
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) plans to close Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, better known as Jalan TAR, for vehicle use every Sunday starting September 28.
Federal Territories Deputy Minister, Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias said the proposal was to encourage a culture of walking among city residents and that DBKL was conducting engagement sessions with parties in the area involved to enable the closure of the road to be realised.
“We want to close Jalan TAR from the intersection of Jalan Esfahan to Jalan Tun Perak from 6 am until 12 midnight for the people to cultivate the practice of walking,” he said at the National Assembly recently.
Jaluluddin said various filling programs were also planned to be implemented during the closure of the road including performances by street musicians (buskers), creative arts performances and traditional sports programs.
In addition, he said DBKL is also examining proposals to implement the same at the intersection of Jalan Pudu up to the intersection of Jalan Bukit Bintang.
Regarding the project to upgrade the footpath infrastructure, Jalaluddin said 23 areas were identified as having the potential to be upgraded.
“The project is planned so that it has a complete network and when it is completed it will give a new image or rebranding to the area involved and can indirectly be used as a tourist attraction,” he said.
Answering a supplementary question from Senator Datuk Seri Zurainah Musa regarding steps taken by DBKL to ensure the safety of pedestrians, Jalaluddin said approximately 5,000 closed-circuit cameras (CCTV) have been installed throughout the city with 2,062 of them focused on footpaths, in addition to 250 enforcement officers conduct patrols from time to time.
“Don’t worry, your safety is guaranteed. Encourage the practice of walking,” he said.
source – wilayahku
