DBKL replacing broken tactile tiles in Brickfields

(From left) Lai, Goh, Leong, Klinik Sai Cares general practitioner Dr Ganeson Krishnan and Fong checking out the resurfacing of a pedestrian walkway at Jalan Tun Sambanthan 3.

KUALA Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is making repairs to tactile paths along Jalan Tun Sambanthan 3 and Jalan Tun Sambanthan 1 in Brickfields following complaints from the visually impaired.

DBKL advisory board member Carmen Leong said replacement of the broken tactile tiles would cost between RM150,000 and RM200,000.

“It involves replacing 100m of the tactile path and resurfacing the pedestrian walkway at Jalan Tun Sambanthan 3 first, before replacing the broken tiles at the walkway along Jalan Tun Sambanthan 1.

“We will use concrete tactile tiles which are more durable.

“The tile replacement works began on June 25 and will take about two weeks,” she said, adding that DBKL took action after a site visit on May 7 and June 12 based on the complaints.

Leong said DBKL had also issued summonses to those blocking the path.

“During the site visit, we noticed a lot of motorcycles parked on the tactile path along Jalan Tun Sambanthan 3.

“We have asked DBKL’s enforcement officers to fine those who commit the offence,” she said in urging the public not to block such tactile paths.

Chinese Cultural Association of the Blind Malaysia president Goh Harp Boon said the tactile path stretch along Jalan Tun Sambanthan 3 was vital for the visually impaired.

“Many blind adults work as massage therapists at a nearby hotel and rely on the tactile path to navigate their way.

“However, the path was broken and unusable, posing a danger to them.

“We have also encountered a lot of obstructions along the way, such as motorcycles, rubbish as well as tables and chairs,” he said.

Goh said he once advised a motorcyclist not to park on the tactile path, but got a scolding from the biker instead.

In June, StarMetro highlighted the plight of the visually impaired navigating their way in Brickfields due to obstructions along the tactile path such as tables and chairs placed by traders on public walkways.

As a result, several restaurants blocking the tactile path were fined during a site visit by DBKL.

DBKL advisory board member Andre Lai said he would highlight the issue of obstructions on the tactile path to the respective DBKL departments.

“Restaurants are not allowed to put anything on the tactile path and we will look into the matter,” he said.

Bukit Bintang Federal Territory Residents Representative Council (MPPWP) chairman Ben Fong said the visually impaired should have priority while navigating in Brickfields.

“I urge the public to be understanding of the needs of the blind,” he said.