Transit Malaysia Advocates for Pedestrian-Centric Jln Bukit Bintang

The plan to pedestrianise Jalan Bukit Bintang has received significant backing from Transit Malaysia. The organisation cites the need to alleviate extreme traffic congestion and improve the area's appeal as a pedestrian-friendly destination.

The NGO called attention to the daily traffic jams on the well-known street, which are made worse by private cars stopped along the three-lane road, in a statement released today. Traffic frequently comes to a complete stop at peak hours, including weekends and nights, because of the large number of private vehicles in the city center.

The proposal, spearheaded by local authorities, seeks to ease congestion by limiting private vehicle access and creating a safer, more dynamic environment for pedestrians.

Transit Malaysia also put forth several ideas for the pedestrianisation initiative:

• Redesign the Jalan Bukit Bintang-Sultan Ismail Intersection: Introduce “scramble crossings” that allow pedestrians to cross in all directions with greater frequency.
• Bus-Only Lanes: Establish dedicated lanes to improve accessibility and efficiency of public transport.
• Boosting Public Transport Connectivity: Highlighting the area’s strong transit network, including the MRT Kajang Line, KL Monorail Line, and GoKL buses, Transit Malaysia emphasised the importance of leveraging these services to reduce reliance on private vehicles.

The NGO also emphasised the importance of the current infrastructure, such as the elevated pedestrian walkway that connects Jalan Bukit Bintang to KLCC and improves connection between two of Kuala Lumpur's main attractions.

Transit Malaysia encouraged Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) to interact with all stakeholders in response to concerns by some businesses that depend on vehicle access.

Source: BERNAMA