Rethinking the flyover widening project at Jalan Yew

 

From Boo Jia Cher

To Kuala Lumpur mayor Maimunah Sharif,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the widening of the flyover at Jalan Yew and its potential negative impacts on the surrounding area of Pudu.

While I understand the need for a solution to address traffic congestion, the flyover widening project will not be an effective or sustainable answer. The expansion of the highway could lead to several detrimental consequences, including:

Worsening the traffic

Widening roads is a short-sighted solution to traffic congestion. The concept of induced demand dictates that more people will drive when roads are expanded, leading to increased traffic and worsening the problem.

Promoting urban sprawl

The flyover through Pudu is designed to enable motorists to travel from the city to the southern suburbs of the Klang Valley and even Seremban. Urban sprawl is already a significant issue in Malaysia, and adding infrastructure that supports this expansion is counterproductive.

Increased noise and air pollution

The elevated structure has already contributed to a chaotic and unpleasant environment around Jalan Yew. Increasing the traffic flow will likely contribute to higher noise levels and air pollution, adversely affecting the nearby residents and businesses.

Adverse effects on local businesses

Widening the flyover will bring it closer to nearby buildings, which could severely impact the surrounding area. This disruption may hinder business operations and discourage visitors, potentially resulting in economic decline.

Given your previous portfolio in UN Habitat and your successful track record in urban transformation projects, I believe that you are uniquely positioned to address the challenges facing Pudu.

Although these decisions were made before you assumed office, I encourage you to leverage your expertise in sustainable urban planning and development to address this critical situation.

The situation is particularly disheartening, given Pudu’s long-standing neglect despite its central location. The towering skyscrapers and elevated highways of the new Tun Razak Exchange loom over the neighbourhood, creating a stark contrast.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent warning against a “tale of two cities” seems blatantly clear in the context of TRX and Pudu.

The proposed widening of the flyover, which would further marginalise the urban poor, is a misguided solution to traffic congestion, as evidence suggests that such measures are ineffective.

Rather than solely expanding the flyover, we should explore alternative approaches that prioritise community well-being and sustainable urban development.

A prime example is the successful revitalisation of Cheonggyecheon in Seoul, where a similar elevated highway was removed to restore the riverbed. This project not only improved flood control but also created a vibrant urban green space.

Pudu deserves the same kind of innovative and people-centred solution.

Instead of road widening, we should instead divert funds and resources to a robust public transportation system, especially the MRT and KTM lines going southwards.

With higher reliability and frequencies of these train lines, this reduces reliance on private vehicles and alleviates traffic congestion.

Deputy investment, trade and industry minister Liew Chin Tong has been encouraging young Malaysians to move back to the inner city by revitalising urban areas to make them more appealing and liveable for younger generations.

Pudu, a prime central location, presents an excellent opportunity for such urban renewal. Addressing urban blight and creating economic incentives can reverse the outflow of young residents to the suburbs and revitalise the inner city.

Beneath its gritty exterior, Pudu, as one of KL’s oldest neighbourhoods, harbours a rich heritage waiting to be unearthed.

Rather than a widened flyover, the area could be revitalised by celebrating its cultural uniqueness.

Imagine Pudu transformed into a vibrant area of heritage tourism, where visitors can explore historic landmarks, witness traditional industries and savour authentic local cuisine.

I believe a concerted effort to improve the overall urban environment of Pudu, rather than simply an expansion of the flyover, will result in a more sustainable and equitable city for all.

I hope you reconsider the flyover widening project and explore the aforementioned alternative solutions that prioritise the well-being of the community.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. - FMT

Boo Jia Cher is an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.