A MULTI-storey carpark, a high-end Indian bazaar, souvenir centres and a food court are some of the facilities that are part of the RM35mil Brickfields Little India project.

The project will see the charming township transformed into a cultural enclave reflecting the 1 Malaysia concept and provide a tourism boost for Brickfields.

At a press conference in Brickfields yesterday, Deputy Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk M. Saravanan revealed the blueprint that also saw facilities like fruit, flower and information kiosks being set up at strategic places that would bring some order to the chaotic township.

Colourful sight: An artist’s impression of the archway that will greet visitors to Brickfields.

The new look will feature an entrance archway located at the tail-end of Jalan Brickfields near the Naga restaurant and the Brickfields police station and a fountain at the junction of Jalan Travers and Brickfields.

“Everything will be put in order once the project is completed. The traders will be legalised — and the fruit and flower sellers will be placed in a clean and conducive environment,” he said.

Saravanan said there would also be a three-storey Indian bazaar at the end of Jalan Tun Sambanthan that will feature tailoring and beauty services, henna painting and everything related to Indian culture.

Simple plan: Saravanan explaining the details of the Brickfields redevelopment plan to some hawkers.

“A multi-storey car park will also be built near the DBKL sports complex and we are also setting up a souvenir shop nearby.

“Just imagine, we are providing people with a pleasant atmosphere to work in, offering business opportunities for traders and boosting the image of the township for residents.

“No one will lose and no one will be kicked out,” Saravanan assured residents.

Saravanan, who is also MIC vice-president, stressed that the project must start as soon as possible if they were to complete it by November.

“I am running out of time. We need to get started right away for Little India to be ready for its official launch at the end of the year by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,” he said.

Making way: These hawkers will be temporarily relocated to allow construction to begin.

The entire stretch of Jalan Tun Sambanthan will also sport Indian-style street lighting akin to the Kuthu Velluku and Kolam designs in many colours.

The first fruits of the mega project could be seen with the widening of the inner roads in Brickfields, as well as the beautification of Jalan Berhala.

Indian Petty Traders Association Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya president Jothy Appalasamy welcomed the move to upgrade the township and reiterated his support for it.

Restaurant Sri Paandi Sdn Bhd owner K. Kumar alos said the new look would not only benefit the business community but boost its reputation as one of Kuala Lumpur’s prominent landmarks.

THE Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry admitted at a press conference yesterday that it should have been more clear about the Little India redevelopment project taking shape in Brickfields and should have briefed the hawkers before issuing notices for relocation.

Deputy Minister Datuk M. Saravanan admitted his oversight on the matter but assured all stakeholders that two billboards with all the necessary information would be built at strategic places with all the details on the project by Friday.

“I admit that we should have done it earlier — it would have cleared up a lot of confusion,” Saravanan said.

Saravanan also extended the business licences of the 17 hawkers operating at Jalan Thambi Abdullah until the end of the month and assured them that the project developer — Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB) — would ready the site at the Chan Ah Thong field where they will be relocated temporarily.

The hawkers were unhappy when they were told to move to the field.

In progress: The Chan Ah Tong field will be given a total makeover as part of the project.

“MRCB will ensure that the field will have basic necessities like water and electricity.

“No one provides such basic necessities for temporary hawkers — but we will do it as a gesture of goodwill and to show our sincerity that we value their contributions to the development of Brickfields,” Saravanan said.

Last week, the hawkers had sought help from Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar to resolve their problems.

Nurul Izzah said she would request for the blueprint of the development plan and take the matter up with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal abidin is scheduled to visit Brickfields on Friday to launch the Little India project.

In a statement last week, Nong Chik said he will personally meet the people and discuss with all the stakeholders in Brickfields to find a win-win solution for all.

Nong Chik said that plans to upgrade Brickfields into Kuala Lumpur’s Little India were not cast in stone and changes could be made to if it benefits the people.

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