LETTERS: Being a resident of Bangsar since 1973, I take a keen interest in developments and goings-on in my neighbourhood.
Even during my four and half years' stint in Stockholm, Bangsar nostalgically lingered in my memory.
I guess you can take a Bangsarian out of Bangsar, but you cannot take Bangsar out of a Bangsarian.
Bangsar today is a popular township in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, generally presumed as the ordinary man's hangout.
Lucky Gardens in particular has evolved considerably since I moved into this locality. Now, this suburb contains a new resurfaced quadrangle, with safer pavements-a far cry from the repugnant stalls that were demolished.
Timeworn food stalls, dishing-up delicacies, ranging from appams, tom yam, nasi kandar, chicken rice, nasi bungkus and curry puff offerings, have been demolished - only to be replaced by a modernistic food centre.
Profoundly missed by the residents is the well patronised wet market, reputed for its fresh produce. Located in the heart of this area, is the popular corner fruit stall which has temporarily moved into a shophouse.
A few of the wet market stall owners are now carrying out their businesses in a shop lot, while others are peddling off in their vans to their regulars who have known them for over three generations. Fish stalls here are popular to even customers from as far as Subang Jaya and Puchong.
Optimistically, stalls will be reopened soon, but presumably will only be for three days a week for limited hours. A wet market in its present form or a modern version is a necessity, especially since fish is much cheaper vis-à-vis the supermarket.
One upmarket outlet sells fish more than double these vendors' prices. Earlier it was chaotic, with rubbish spewed all over, drawing crows which hibernated in the large angsana trees fronting Jalan Ara and drains being infiltrated by rats.
Many of the trees in the vicinity have either been uprooted or pruned.
Still remaining are the large and majestic trees - a true native shade tree of Malaysia forming an ambience which would be the delight of environmentalists.
A small park adorns the front of shophouses, directly opposite a supermarket. A larger park is much needed, akin to a long overdue modern wet market, promised over the years.
This township, established 50 years ago, is the focal point for pharmacies with all the leading names present here.
Lucky Gardens is a popular food destination, with Muslim, Indian and Chinese outlets scattered all over.
Briyani mavens are thriving, despite the lockdown. Aromatic chicken biryani, coupled with other food packages, are supplied all over Bangsar's residential areas, catering to the taste buds of residents.
Chinese eateries, which have also been spruced up, have acquired a reputation with residents and visitors alike.
The economy rice outlets and the nasi kandar vendors, who now operates off food trucks, offer low priced meals in Kuala LaPorte shops, while strictly adhering to Covid-19 rules recording customers details and taking their temperatures.
Businesses for many have plummeted, while closures for some are also in the pipeline. Others have scaled down their operations.
Some have taken on additional businesses due to the high rentals. Nevertheless, Bangsar is a relatively safe place and a haven for shopping, dining and socialising, despite sporadic crimes reported.
Prompt regular action by DBKL through the management of the trees and the cleaning of the neighbourhood has witnessed the crow population moving to the more affluent neighbourhood, inevitable causing problems at their end.
Traffic flows in the vicinity need to be relooked to ensure hassle free flow.
Rodents have now found a new sanctuary in the more affluent Telawi segment where the drains are clogged - a safer haven for them.
This township is once again starting to bustle with a hive of activity, with retailers peddling foodstuffs and miscellaneous products.
Lucky Gardens is beginning to flourish, albeit slowly, as a popular mini-township for Malaysians from all walks of life.
Definitely a welcome sight for residents after the hiatus.
Benedict Lopez
Former Director of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority,
Stockholm and Economic Counsellor, Embassy of Malaysia, Sweden
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times