Road Closure Sparks Mixed Reactions Among University of Malaya Students

By Nur Batrisya and Zubaida Binti Zulkifli  — 1 Dec 2023

The Main Library Road at Universiti Malaya has permanently closed to make way for the Student Plaza.

— NUR BATRISYA / 1 DECEMBER 2023

UNIVERSITI MALAYA: In a recent development at the University of Malaya (UM), the decision to permanently close a major road on campus has sparked a range of opinions among students. The move, attributed to the university's administration, is aimed at providing students with more recreational spaces and transforming the campus into a walking-friendly environment.

Muhammad Fathinudden bin Hamdi, an Executive Member of the International Relations and Strategic Study department, shed light on the decision-making process. The call to close the road came from the Vice Chancellor and the administration, with considerations for both short and long-term alternatives. Among these alternatives is the upcoming UM Sentral 2, set to be established possibly next year, though specific timelines remain uncertain.

Fathinudden urges affected students to embrace public transport, especially during peak hours, to alleviate traffic congestion. However, not all students share the same sentiment.

Two students, Loh Yong Lin (Bachelor of Science with Education in Mathematics) and Noriznah binti Rizal (Bachelor of Geography), expressed their dissatisfaction with the road closure. Loh believes it has worsened traffic jams, citing disruptions to usual transportation routes, such as the route from KK7 to the main library. Meanwhile, Noriznah emphasized the inconvenience caused by the closure of a main road leading to the library.

Students also raised concerns about the impact on transportation and bus stops. Limited parking spaces and the relocation of bus stops have led to increased difficulties for students in commuting. Suggestions for improvement include adding more bus trips, keeping the main road open, and enhancing bus stop facilities, such as seating and shelters.

In response to these concerns, students hope that university authorities will prioritize improvements in bus stop facilities and reconsider the decision to close the main road. As the debate continues, students look to find common ground between the university's vision for a pedestrian-friendly campus and the practical challenges faced by those affected by the road closure.