Facelift for Section 52, PJ

Monday June 8, 2009

Facelift for Section 52, PJ

By SALINA KHALID

THE Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is planning to turn the whole of Section 52 (PJ new town) as a model of clean, green and disabled-friendly area.

Councillor Anthony Thanasayan said a committee had been formed to handle the task.

The team is headed by mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman and comprised representatives from various departments in the council including town planning and health.

Thanasayan said the plan would be carried out in stages.

“We are starting with the Emporium Makan at Complex C in Jalan Sultan. “Give us a year and this place will change back to how it was before and even better,” he said.

He was speaking after attending the cleaning up session of the complex yesterday.Cleaning up: Thanasayan (on wheelchair) helping out during the cleaning up exercise at the food court in Complex C, PJ New Town.

Also present during the event were the council’s town planning department deputy director Khairunnisa Haron, Health Department assistant officer Low Ching Keat and the complex’s trader representative Mohamad Shuffie Hassan.

Thanasayan said they had decided to kickstart the programme at the premises because of its potential and the need for its revival.

Traders who are operating on the ground floor of the premises have been complaining about poor business, especially in the past four years. Most of the stall owners have decided to close their business. Currently, only 25 of the 70 stalls are still operating.

“This was one of the most happening places in the area.

“But now things have changed and not many people know about this place any more,” said Thanasayan.

He said when he was younger, he used to go to the food court for a meal after a swim in the public swimming pool nearby. The swimming pool was closed about four years ago.

He added that a meeting was also held with the traders recently to listen to their grouses.

The traders had also complained about cleanliness of the place and lack of promotion to boost business.

“We are planning to make this place friendly for patrons including having an open-air eating concept on the front area and have more greenery to attract customers.

“The council is also tackling the pest problem faced by the traders and educating them on the importance of keeping their place clean,” he said.

Ramps will also be built to make the place more accessible for the wheelchair-bound and special toilets for the disabled.

Meanwhile, Mohamad Shuffie said they were planning to organise various activities at the premises to attract customers.

“We are planning to hold a Father’s Day celebration here this month and we welcome everyone. There will also be a chess competition.

“At the same time we are also planning to put up a stage and maybe have a live entertainment for our customers,” he said.