Standing up for historical preservation in KL

Write up by: Koh Jun Li (Mkini)

Several NGOs today teamed up for a historical tour in an effort to stave off the mass rapid transit (MRT) project, which they fear will destroy buildings around Jalan Sultan and Jalan Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur, many of which they consider to have historical value.

The group of some 50 people took off from the soon-to-be-demolished Klang bus terminal at 9.30am and planted black flags along their 3km walk to Jalan Bukit Bintang to mark the affected buildings.

Co-chairperson of the Committee to Protect Jalan Sultan and Jalan Bukit Bintang (CPJSJBB), Stanley Yong, explained that although black is the colour of mourning for the Chinese community, the purpose was to voice their grievances before there is need to mourn the loss of heritage.

Other NGOs present to show support were Majlis Permuafakatan Kampung Tradisi Melayu Wilayah Persekutuan (Muafakat) and Pakis Anak Muda. Also accompanying the group was Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun.

The group was led by two tour guides, who made many stops to explain, in Malay and in Chinese, the historical significance of several sites, the route of the MRT tunnels and the alternative route along Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock the MRT opponents have proposed.
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Video by KSTan, Citizen Journalist