Within the approximately 150km2 of the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, there are already about 50 malls and another four under construction. Still, KL will add yet another name on its growing list of shopping areas.
The Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Seri Amin Nordin Abd Aziz recently decided that the ‘ageing and shabby’ Masjid India Bazaar is to be demolished to make way for a new shopping area inspired by London’s shopping haven, Oxford Street.
“I decided that the bazaar must go and be replaced with a modern concept that is open and bright, something akin to the push cart kiosk that can be moved around,’’ he was quoted saying by The Star.
According to The Malay Mail Online, the proposed RM10.2 million dollar Jalan Melayu Bazaar face-lift will be part of the ongoing River of Life project that was launched in 2011 in an effort to clean up the Klang and Gombak rivers and waterfront areas.
Six years ago, a similar plan was in explored but it was delayed when DBKL struggled to find common ground with traders and shop owners who were reluctant to move out or relocate. However, demolition work finally started last December and DBKL hopes to complete the project by the end of 2017.
Now, I’m all for creating jobs and stimulating the economy, but do we really need another shopping complex/area in Kuala Lumpur, especially when so many of these malls are quite empty most of the time already? And why are we aiming for ‘Oxford Street’ when that quite clearly does not fit in with the local culture or style? Why are we destroying ‘ageing and shabby’ structures instead of restoring and preserving? Looking at London, of the reasons it’s such a beautiful city with a strong character is the fact that the old is preserved and showcased just as brightly as the new – not destroying one to make way for the other.
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By all means clean it up and regulate it, but preserve it. Last thing KL needs is yet another bland, deserted mall experience
Of course it doesn’t. We all know that. But construction is $ at every level. Who cares about the empty malls in a year. Bricks n Mortar is struggling everywhere, but Malaysia continues to build… we all know why, Very sad.
This we do not need
What a shame
GET rid of the IndoPak image and the Fake Goods image.
Aien Nia btol ke?
Xtau..syg la klo buang
Sad?
exactly what i thought! It is so disgusting i have to be sedated at the mere suggestion of going anywhere near there!!
The indon and pak vendors have messed-up the place.
What a shame more history disappearing
The bazzar has been taken over by foreigners selling counterfit products.
I wonder why China Town isn’t demolished yet..every inch are fakey too🤔
Very true, china town is symbolic and in many parts of the world they have similar bazars. Masjid india is so congested as it is, this might help with the people traffic flow.. i am sure it will be good , lets embrace change.
China town most traders are chinese, with foreign staff. Where as what i have wittnessed in masjid india is foreigners as stall owners and locals working for them
The damage done to KL and Malaya history by these barbarians is unforgivable. Next will be the wet markets replaced by over priced supermarkets selling GM products.