KUALA LUMPUR: A majority of those polled on the New Straits Times' social media pages have objected to the relocation of the Ramadan bazaar from Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (TAR) to Jalan Raja where the Sultan Abdul Samad heritage building is located.
Those opposing the plan mainly feared that the iconic building could be affected by increased smoke and other forms of pollution in the area.
Facebook user, Nathalie Seroux said relocating the bazaar will spoil the aesthetics of the various sights along Jalan Raja.
“As it is, the main road in front of the building is already a mess at night, with cars parked everywhere.
“It is going to be worse with a Ramadan bazaar relocated there. The local council should strive to preserve our beautiful city, not destroy it,” she wrote on the NST Online Facebook page.
Another respondent, Nirmalah Thurai wrote: “Please protect our heritage buildings. (The buildings) are already suffering from poor maintenance."
Others like Nj Ray said the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) must ensure the site is well maintained at all times.
“The field (at Jalan Raja) is often damaged...Surely DBKL can come up with another place to accommodate the bazaar. Even the road in front of DBKL building would be better,” he wrote.
While some recommended other suitable locations for the bazaar, Vinesh Satkunanathan suggested that it be relocated to the Pudu Sentral bus station instead.
“What about the Puduraya bus station area Datuk? It would be a better location as passengers getting off the station can straight away shop and eat at the stalls. The stall owners will profit as well,” he wrote.
Sashi Kumar wrote that the bazaar should be relocated to the Bukit Jalil area to prevent litter from being strewn all over Jalan Raja.
“There will be haphazard parking, garbage and crowd. That is a historical place, not a pasar malam ground. Relocate them to Bukit Jalil. Do not make the same mistake by clogging the city," the post read.
The respondents had posted in the New Straits Times Online poll on whether the Ramadan bazaar should be relocated.
About 61 per cent voiced their disapproval since the poll started on Saturday and ended at 7pm today.
It was reported that DBKL planned to relocate the Ramadan bazaar along a 200-metre stretch of marquee tents from the intersection of St Mary’s Cathedral to Lebuh Pasar Besar.
Since then, Badan Warisan Malaysia president Elizabeth Cardosa also called on DBKL to reconsider the plan.
The chief of the heritage and conservation non government organisation said DBKL should be aware of the heritage value of the square which is surrounded by institutional buildings including the street where historic events had taken place.