Puduraya free of touts

Matt Siow 5/07/2011 0

I went to the newly refurbished Puduraya twice to catch bus back to Seremban. What I can say overall is good but can improved futher.

Puduraya area almost free of ticket scalping (Malay Mail)

By Azreen Hani

Wednesday, May 4

COMFORTABLE: Passengers are mostly satisfied with the improved look and conditions

KUALA LUMPUR: It has been more than two weeks since the newly-renovated 35-year-old Puduraya bus terminal in Jalan Tun Perak was reopened to the public. And so far, the age-old problem of touting activities appears to be a thing of the past.

This is believed to be due to tight security measures by the management company, UDA Holdings, which has stationed guards at the terminal's main doors as well as conducting patrols within the complex.

A check by The Malay Mail yesterday showed at least five guards at each floor, leaving touts with little chance of plying their trade.

LESS AWARENESS: Mohd Shahrul says public not fully informed of the station's re-opening

FEE LING GOOD: Suganthi is safe at the station

Passengers also showed their contact with touts were only outside the terminal.

S. Suganthi, 24, a bank officer in Cyberjaya, said “it was comfortable and safe waiting in the station”, adding she was no longer harassed by touts.

The same sentiment was echoed by Siva Sundar, 19, from Chennai, India, who expressed satisfaction with the services.

“No one is charging more than the actual price,” he told The Paper That Cares.

However, Mohd Firdaus Zainal Abidin, 23, a security guard at the station, said touts were still around.

“But not within the compound. It looks like the touts wait for passengers at shops outside the station. We have guards at the main doors so touts could not come in.”

Shop operators at the terminal were less enthusiastic as they claimed sales were affected due to the location of the shoplots.

“Our location is hidden from passengers. Due to that, our sales are slow,” said Lily Lau, 57, owner of a mobile phone shop.

“I have been operating here for the past 22 years and I hope the situation will improve soon.”

MODERN: The new-look Puduraya bus station Pic: Shahir Omar

Mohd Shahrul Nizam Kamaruddin, 23, who manages his family snack food business, said there was a lack of public awareness over the reopened terminal.

“Business should pick up once more people start coming back to Puduraya,” he said.

Puduraya station was closed in April last year to facilitate a RM52.7 million facelift. Originally slated for completion last September, the station finally reopened on April 16.