Last week, the Government announced the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) which covered many many many different areas and developments. One of the sectors that was covered was.... TOURISM!!! =)
Interesting key note speech by Dato Seri Idris Jala.
Anyways, I would want to spend too much time talking about that - instead, I would like to give a mention to one part of the ETP on Tourism - making KL the Premier Shopping District.
Dato Seri Idris highlighted some of the following...
What is the current problem with KL shopping? Strict advertising and regulations plus policies, unattractive streetscape and inconsistent infrastructure, constant traffic jams as well as the negative image of our KL shopping areas have been the main issues affecting our shopping areas. As a result, the returns in tourism assets have been the lowest amongst the region.
One of the interesting recommendations by PEMANDU is this... creating and improving Pedestrian Connectivity. Look at the picture below...
What are they looking at? Linking Jalan P. Ramlee, KLCC together, through the KLCC Convention Centre all the way towards the KL Pavilion shopping centre - and then from Pavilion across Jalan Bukit Bintang towards the newly opened Fahrenheit88 shopping centre - and then from Fahrenheit88 together with Lot 10, which is already linked to Sg Wang Plaza... and at the last bit - linking Berjaya Times Square to Plaza Low Yat and Sg Wang Plaza across Jalan Imbi.
Upon completion - what we'll see is a shopping precinct that spans 7km long - with seamless connectivity between shopping malls and hotels in the KLCC - Bukit Bintang shopping district; this improved connectivity will improve the business environment of the area. Under the ETP, they also intend to establish a Tourism Council to manage the shopping precinct.
I think this is a very good idea for the area. For the shoppers and tourists of course!!! For me however, I would love it - but it would give more reasons/excuses for the partner to walk from one shopping centre to another, and another all the way to the end... imagine having this conversation...
Girl: I'm so disappointed! I cant find the size for my shoes here in KLCC!!!
Guy: Oh yealorr too bad ler right? (*secretly grinssss*)
Girl: Oh wait, I know... there's one store at Times Square. Sure got wan!!! Come lets go there!
Guy: NOW? Drive there ar?
Girl: No lah... lets walk there lor. After all, all the areas are connected now marrrr...
Guy: But its like so farrrrr right?
Girl: Where got??? Come ler... afters I get angry yaa...
Guy: *gulps* its fuckin 7km wei!
Girl: You love me anot?
Guy: *silent*
The guy would end up being so annoyed cos have to WALK ALL THE WAY from one end to another. And along the way, there would probably be MORE SHOPPING too!!! =P Hahaha... but anyways, I still believe that this would be a very good measure to improve KL as a Premier Shopping District.
However, there is one main problem they need to address.
Improve on the SECURITY.
Kill the Mat Rempits snatchthieves, remove all the roadside beggars etc (especially those posing as beggars to steal), and have more patrolling policemen around the area. Otherwise, it will never be safe to walk around KL. =P