They said converting pedestrian footpaths into dining areas compromises public safety, obstructs vulnerable groups and prioritises local council revenue over urban mobility.
Hotelier Nizam Hamid, 42, from Jalan Klang Lama, said forcing pedestrians off designated walkways and onto busy roads presents a safety hazard.
"That is the most important safety risk that needs to be evaluated before anything is approved. Food premises must be in a safe and clean environment," he said.
Nizam said walkways have historically served as sheltered pedestrian corridors, providing safe passage alongside shoplots.
"The sidewalk dining also creates physical bottlenecks for foot traffic. This is discriminatory. I believe this decision was made for (eateries) to make money instead of the betterment of the people."
Dentist Dr Sonia A., 35, from Bangsar Baru, said allowing eateries to encroach on footpaths undermines pedestrian safety.
"It is supposed to serve its purpose as a walkway. It feels terribly overcrowded, especially in high foot-traffic areas, which is coincidentally where all eateries are also located."
Dr Sonia, speaking as a parent of a baby girl, said she was concerned about vulnerable pedestrians.
"As a mother of an infant, I think it will be extremely unsafe for my child and myself."
Food and beverage operator Desonny Tuzan said this was a stupid idea — good for businesses, but bad for pedestrians.
"This will cause overcrowding. How can you place tables on a sidewalk right next to a road?"
He added that the disabled will also have a hard time with all the obstructions.
"For sure, it will affect wheelchair users. It is not fair. Parking is already difficult and now people have to manoeuvre wheelchairs over blocked walkways."
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