KUALA LUMPUR: Petaling Street may no longer be the same but it still has a place in the hearts of the people. Also known as Malaysia’s Chinatown, it evokes a longing for the past for many.
In a recent online article by the New Straits Times, based on comments from readers, many hold dear memories of the yesteryear Petaling Street.
Zaidi Osman said he used to hangout around Kota Raya and nearby Petaling Street when he was still single.
“Two years ago out of curiosity, I just drove around and was shock to see the changes,” he wrote.
He was disappointed to see the streets filled with foreigners hawking their stuff.
“Not going there again for sure,” he added.
Marko Andrew recalled the days when it was the place where people would go for good deals.
“Now it is filled with rude foreigners who think they own the street.
“But little do they know their money here is short lived... it’s just a matter of time before they are all swept into the dustpan and emptied back where they came from…” he commented.
Helen LayKuan shared how she will always have fond memories of the place. She said when she was a tour guide, she was so proud to include Chinatown as one of the spots to visit but now it is a town filled with foreign workers.
Mohd Roslan Lan recalled how he used to do his shopping in the area. He used to frequent shops run by Malaysian Chinese and now, he misses giving business to his fellow Malaysians.
There were also readers who gave suggestions on how to turn the situation around.
Kenzo Mann said the government should review the license of the stall owners in Chinatown.
He reasoned that if they leave their businesses to the foreigners, then it shows that they are not keen anymore.
“Then revoke their licence and give to some other deserving people.
“We should protect Chinatown’s identity...for the sake of tourism and culture,” he said.
Some felt that Malaysians have only themselves to blame for the mass influx of migrant workers that has taken place.
Kin Hin Lee noted that foreigners have not only taken over Chinatown, but also printing firms, the garment industry, groceries and mobile phone shops.
“The greatest part of it is, these foreign workers become the boss and he employs the locals as his worker.
“Of course if they are hardworking, they deserve it,” he said.
One Ironside Burr Soon left a cautionary message: “You’ll see Bangladeshi selling moon cakes, roast duck...!!!”