HIP and happening Bangsar is a residential area, not a place for rowdy entertainment, residents of  the Kuala Lumpur suburb said as they call for stricter enforcement of the law in their neighbourhood.

They said they have had to put up with illegal parking outside their homes, noise pollution and brawls in their neighbourhood where popular restaurants and pubs are located.

Bukit Bandaraya Residents Association adviser M. Ali said Bangsar’s commercial activities and environment need attention as the safety of residents is at stake. 

“We are concerned. Even some residents don’t want to visit the Telawi area, especially families. 

“They are concerned about safety after news of brawls in the area,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Ali was responding to concerns about security in Bangsar’s highlighted on social media, after Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil visited the area recently following the posting of a video of a shouting match between nightclub patrons. More than 100 people were arrested at a packed venue where social distancing was not observed.

“Rowdy pub, club patrons spill onto the streets. We have seen fights, even death. Overcrowded spaces are a Covid-19 threat. This must stop,” Fahmi tweeted.

In another tweet, Fahmi said some of the fights were alcohol-induced and that this was acknowledged by th club owners.

But the PKR lawmaker also added that “most (outlets) are ok and no problems”, stating that because of the problems caused by a few, the whole area was tarnished.

Ali said the authorities should do more checks to ensure all outlets are licensed. 

“We were told that some of the outlets don’t have licences. Also why must the outlets be open until 2am? 

“If it is in the city then it’s fine because there are hotels and tourist attractions, but this is a residential area.”

There is a police beat base near the bars and restaurants but Ali said that is not enough enforcement.

“The authorities should react effectively and efficiently. The traffic management is also horrendous here and there should be more enforcement in the area.”

In March last year, a man was killed while another was badly injured in a fight in Jalan Telawi 3.

Fahmi, speaking to The Malaysian Insight, agreed that many residents feel the Bangsar Baru area is no longer safe.

“Residents feel anxious and uneasy. Police must show a greater presence, especially in the commercial area on weekends.

“As for licences, there should be a quota for how many entertainment outlets is allowed in an area.

“For example if a street has units, should five be allowed to be entertainment outlets?”

He urged Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to look into limiting the number of bars and clubs in certain areas. 

“DBKL has to check whether it’s feasible to have more than 20 pubs or bars in one area. There an adverse impact on the community if there is too high a concentration of bars and pubs in one area.”

Fahmi suggested that no establishment should be allowed to sell alcohol within 100 metres of a residential area. 

“Especially along Jalan Telawi 5 there shouldn’t be any bars and pubs which create uneasiness among the neighbours.”

He said DBKL should bar businesses that flout the law.

He said police and DBKL must work together as each had different jurisdictions. Fahmi added that greater coordination and enforcement must be done as the country is in transition to the endemic phase of Covid-19 and virus infections could occur if rules are not followed. – April 11, 2022.