Fencing around eatery raises ire of residents

A CORNER restaurant in Alam Sutera, Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur, that installed a fence around the five-foot-way has raised the ire of residents and pedestrians.

The fenced-up area impedes access and obstructs the path of pedestrians, the complainants pointed out.

They also worry that the eatery might eventually place tables and chairs on the pathway.

When contacted, the restaurant owner said he had applied for a permit but his contractor had installed the fencing before getting the okay from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

“I will remove the fence if it is not approved,” he said, stressing that it was put up for safety reasons.

“We want to protect our diners, especially children, from the street traffic,” he said.

Residents fear that the eatery may place tables and chairs in the fenced-up area.

A reader had called StarMetro complaining about the fence that ran along the pedestrian path the length of the premises.

“Obstructing access to a five-foot-way is clearly against the law,” said the reader.

A resident, KS Ong, said there were many similar obstructions in the area.

“When we highlight the matter to DBKL, no action seems to be taken as the structures are still there,” said Ong.

Resident Suraya Ahmad said she had called the DBKL Seputeh branch office many times to complain about similar obstructions.

“The walkways are usually filled with chairs and tables.

“This endangers others, especially the visually-impaired and wheelchair users.

“The visually-impaired rely on tactile blocks placed on the five-foot-way to guide them.

“Besides, restaurant owners are not allowed to take up space in front of their shops to place tables and chairs.

“If they really want to protect customers, they should ensure they only dine inside the restaurant,” added Suraya.

When contacted, a DBKL spokesperson said such obstructions were illegal.

“We have informed our Enforcement Department about the matter and are waiting for their feedback,” added the spokesperson.