KUALA LUMPUR: Traders in Jalan Masjid India are urging shoppers to return, assuring them that the area is safe, months after a sinkhole disrupted the bustling shopping district.
The popular shopping destination, known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse mix of local and international visitors, fell silent after the sinkhole incident.
The incident not only instilled fear among the public but also caused a sharp decline in sales, leaving traders struggling to stay afloat.
A check by the 'New Straits Times' in Jalan Masjid India revealed that only a few Malaysians were present, with most shoppers being foreigners.
Hayati Hamzah, 60, who works at a fabric store, said many people remain hesitant to return, worried about their safety.
"People are understandably cautious, but I have seen the efforts made by the authorities to address the issue. I am confident that Jalan Masjid India is safe again," she told the NST.
Hayati urged shoppers to support the local businesses that relied on the street's usual buzz.
"Trust needs to be rebuilt. I understand that people want to be careful, but I appeal to everyone, please come back and shop here. We need your support.
"Especially with Ramadan just around the corner. If the repairs are not fully completed by then, it will impact us even more. This is the time when people usually come here to shop for festive essentials." She said the lack of customers was understandable given the fear surrounding the incident.
"I am still traumatised by what happened so suddenly.
"The road where the sinkhole occurred is part of my daily route to the shop. It would be a lie to say I'm not affected, I'm still afraid and avoid using that road."
Another trader, who wished to be known only as Nora, 36, called on the government and authorities, including the Kuala Lumpur City Hall, to take proactive steps to revive the shopping street.
Nora said everyone needed to play their part in rebuilding public confidence to bring life back to the area.
"The trauma people feel is still there. Previously, customers refused to come in and would rather request delivery or pick-up at alternative locations.
"No one trusted the safety of this area, and that cost us many customers and sales," she said.
She added that the incident had left traders in a dire situation, with some employees being placed on unpaid leave due to the lack of income.
However, Nora said the reopening of the area yesterday had given them renewed hope for recovery.
"We hope things will improve from now on, and that the situation will go back to how it used to be.
"Imagine how bad it has been, there were days when making RM50 in sales was a struggle. Sometimes, we barely made RM13, while rents here cost thousands."
Yesterday, the section of Jalan Masjid India, which had been closed following a sinkhole incident in August, was reopened to the public.
Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif said the reopening was made possible after the restoration and repair work was completed ahead of the original schedule, which was set for next month.
The incident, which occurred on the morning of Aug 23, saw Indian tourist G. Vijaya Lakshmi, 48, go missing after falling into an 8m-deep sinkhole that suddenly opened beneath her feet.