Masjid India Refurbishment

[davidwsk]

Photos ROHAIZAT MD DARUS
May 2, 2012


A more vibrant Masjid India


Coming soon: Authorities want to fashion Masjid India after the Oxford Street in London.



THE Government is studying a proposal to redevelop Jalan Masjid India, one of Kuala Lumpur’s earliest shopping district, into a happening spot in the city like London’s Oxford street.

Details of the proposal include turning the inner roads into covered pedestrian walkways linking the malls and shops in the area.

Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said the proposal was being handled by the Prime Minister’s Department.

“Once Jalan Masjid India and its surrounding areas including Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman are upgraded, the city will come alive and vibrant again.

“It is only a concept now and nothing is concrete,’’ he said, adding it was important to engage the stakeholders in the area and talk about the plans for the future.

The minister said communicating with the stakeholders was crucial because Jalan Masjid India comprised shopping centres and petty traders which made the area unique.

“Engaging with the people must be done in a proper manner as there will always be some parties who will politicise and sabotage goverment plans,’’ Nong Chik said.

It is no secret that the once popular shopping district famous for traditional Malay products in the early 1900s, has become an eyesore and gets chaotic during festive seasons like Hari Raya and Deepavali.

Lack of parking space and trading lots have resulted in many a conflict between petty traders and big-time players as well as the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).



Not a good idea: The RM10mil bazaar project, which was supposed to be a lifeline for the dying area only killed the business in Wisma Yakin.


In the 1900s, traders came in small boats from Indonesia and docked at the confluence of Sungai Kelang and Sungai Gombak and set up trade in the area.

They later relocated to Wisma Yakin but have long since moved out due to dying business.

The son of an old trader, M. Kadir Shah, who had owned a shop in Wisma Yakin, said his family who hailed from Indonesia had to move out of Wisma Yakin when City Hall built a bazaar in front of the building in Jalan Masjid India.

“The RM10mil bazaar project, which was supposed to be a lifeline for the dying area, only killed the business in Wisma Yakin and made it a dead zone,’’ he said.

“It is good to hear that the Goverment is planning to develop this place and revive it. I hope that a proper study is done to see the project through, rather than rush into it like what they did with the bazaar project 10 years ago,’’ he added.

Meenachi Karupiah, who strings jasmine at the sidewalk in Jalan Masjid India, said she had heard about the redevelopment project years ago.

“It is a good idea but I hope the Government will look into the needs of small traders like me, once the project is ready,’’ she said.

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[davidwsk]

image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/yamashi...93594/?page=12 By Yoidore on Flickr

[davidwsk]

Many peoples during Puasa month

image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/yamashi...93594/?page=12 By Yoidore on Flickr

[D_Y2k.2^]

it is definitely a bustling area which needs a major facelift. Probably with the emphasis on Malay Culture and elements? Creating it a malay town and have a better intergration with the upcoming attractions at Padang Merdeka