Malaysian Indian traders enjoy fruits of Brickfields’ transformation

KUALA LUMPUR: Since Brickfields was officially transformed into Little India eight years ago, the socio-economic standing of the Indian community there witnessed a drastic improvement in line with the government's efforts to address issues which have been plaguing the community.
Dubbed as the pride of the nation, Brickfields today is the place for Indian traders to generate income and a magnet that draws foreigners and locals around Bangsar, Lembah Pantai and Seputeh.
Brickfields' transformation was inspired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak's vision to develop and safeguard the community's interest and to ensure Malaysian Indians are not sidelined from mainstream development.
Speaking to Bernama recently, Sri Kortumalai Restaurant manager M.Karthumalai said the restaurant sees a steady stream of customers daily, though many people complain of rising prices due to the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
"We receive about 500 customers daily from 9am to 1am. Many tourists come here and they love Indian food, the spices we use to cook our food is authentic. There is no better place to do business and Brickfields is the right choice," he said.
Sharing similar sentiments on Brickfields, a shop operator selling prayer items and essential goods, Ravi Dayang, 55, thanked the government for providing loans and assistance to encourage Indians to become entrepreneurs to improve their standard of living.
"The government has shown us many ways to improve our standard of living. They even provide us loan and assistance through the Indian Community Entrepreneur Development Scheme (SPUMI) under the National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (Tekun), 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) and Amanah Saham 1Malaysia (AS1M).
"AS1M is very good for future investment. I got to know about the investment scheme from a friend. I invested for my children's future and myself," he added.
However, Little India's progress comes with a price. Due to massive development and and a hive of activities the place has become crowded with people and cars. Hence, traffic jams and double parking are inevitable and this annoys some traders in Brickfields, like M.Mujappan.
"Traffic jams are a perennial problem in Brickfields. People hesitate to shop here because the parking space is limited. But we know the government has plans for a multilevel car park, hope it can solve the parking problem so that people can shop and this will boost our business," said the 65-year-old trader who sells Indian costume jewellery.
A check by Bernama found the main roads such as Jalan Tun Sambanthan and Jalan Thambipillay and inner roads like Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad and Lorong Chan Ah Tong are choked with traffic during peak hours.
Many patrons choose to double-park, which contribute to the traffic crawl on Brickfields' major roads and the vehicles honking on those blocking the road adds to the cacophony.
Megala Sangaran, who works in a private company, said she had to double-park her car since there is no parking available around the area before making a dash to collect her saree-blouse.
Traders and residents also lament the high rental rates which eat into their profits. However, it is still the place of empowerment for Indian traders there.
MIC Central Working Committee Datuk M.Saravanan was quoted as saying that Brickfields has transcended into a new era, beyond a neighbourhood and a business centre for Indians. It provides a new perspective, which is not only enjoyed by Indians but also everyone else, in line with the 1Malaysia concept.
Complementing 'Malaysia, Truly Asia' slogan, Saravanan said Brickfields' Little India was officiated by Najib along with former Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Nov 23, 2015 as a symbol of Malaysia-India friendship and their bilateral ties.
Other than Brickfields, Indian traders could also be found in other enclaves such Lebuh Ampang here and Jalan Tengku Kelana, in Klang. — Bernama