Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced a RM5 million makeover for the Masjid Jamek LRT station to improve commuter facilities, safety, and business opportunities.
KUALA LUMPUR: Masjid Jamek LRT station is set for a RM5 million makeover to improve commuter facilities, brighten surrounding streets and transform underused space into a potential business hub.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the project comprised four main initiatives aimed at improving the commuting experience at the station, which records an average of 46,000 passenger trips daily, or about 1.5 million a month.
“The first initiative involves upgrading an area along Jalan Benteng into a rentable space where visitors can relax, enjoy coffee and take in the view of Masjid Jamek.
“The second initiative will introduce more greenery to the station platforms to create a more pleasant and comfortable environment for commuters,” he told reporters after launching the Masjid Jamek LRT station beautification project here today.
Loke said lighting along Jalan Tun Perak would also be improved following complaints from commuters that the area outside the station was too dark at night.
He added that the fourth initiative involved upgrading the station’s wayfinding system, including redesigning its signboards to help commuters navigate the station more easily.
“Masjid Jamek station will serve as a pilot project for the new signboard design, which could be rolled out to other stations if it is successfully implemented and well received.”
He said work on the wayfinding project began last year, with Phase B completed before the current Phase C, which is expected to take about a year to complete.
“We expect passenger numbers to be higher at certain times, particularly on weekends or during major events.
“Masjid Jamek is a focal point, and the station also becomes a key access point during demonstrations,” he said.
On business opportunities, Loke said the government was considering providing trading spaces for B40 entrepreneurs as part of the station’s upgrading project.
He said the proposal had been discussed with Kuala Lumpur City Hall, including how the spaces could be allocated once the project was completed.
“Traders could operate in the area provided they did not obstruct traffic and complied with safety requirements.”
Loke encouraged interested traders to apply for the necessary licences through established procedures to ensure they could operate legally.