Local Community, Visitors Confident Jalan Masjid India Will Thrive Again

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 31 (Bernama) -- The reopening of Jalan Masjid India today has been eagerly anticipated by locals and tourists alike, as the popular area regains its vibrancy.

For trader M. Rani, 47, the reopening is a significant milestone expected to revitalise economic activity and attract more visitors to the area.

"Normally, this place is a hotspot, especially during New Year’s Eve. However, things have been different this year. Since Jalan Masjid India was closed, people were reluctant to visit due to safety concerns.

"But now that I’ve learned the road has reopened, I feel relieved. This is very meaningful for us traders, especially with Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri around the corner," he told Bernama at Jalan Masjid India today.

Australian tourist Harvey Jones, 34, also expressed confidence in visiting the area and commended the authorities for swiftly completing the repairs.

“We decided to take a holiday in Malaysia for the New Year. Coincidentally, while passing through here, my wife and I decided to check out the location of the sinkhole incident. We were quite surprised to find out that the sidewalk has been repaired and reopened to the public today.

“We are very excited to see this road reopened safely. The authorities have done a great job in carrying out their responsibilities. This, in turn, gives my wife and me confidence that our safety is assured here,” he said.

Meanwhile, private sector employee Nur Intan Maisarah Jamaluddin, 26, urged authorities to conduct regular inspections at the site to prevent similar incidents in the future.

On Aug 23, G. Vijaya Lakshmi, a 48-year-old Indian national, went missing after falling into an eight-metre-deep sinkhole at Jalan Masjid India.

-- BERNAMA