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RESTAURANT owners in Tapah said business has worsened despite the ongoing by-election campaign, blaming a recently implemented one-way traffic system for driving customers away rather than drawing them in.
While many had anticipated an uptick in sales during the campaign for the Ayer Kuning state seat, several local food operators claim that customer numbers have instead dropped sharply since the traffic changes came into effect.
K. Arakani, 58, who runs a curry house restaurant, said her business has taken a serious hit since the road system was altered.
“Ever since they implemented the one-way road system, we’ve been seeing fewer customers. Now, our sales have dropped by about 50%,” The Star reported her saying.
Arakani added that a lack of parking spaces has made it even harder for customers to stop by.
“Things are getting worse every day. Before this, my business was doing moderately well. I used to make around RM1,500 a day, but now it’s only between RM300 to RM400. I can’t even break even. My rent is RM2,000 and utilities cost RM700.”
Despite the by-election campaign, she noted, there has been no noticeable improvement in footfall or sales.
The Star cited another restaurateur, Muhd Asni Saleh, 58, said he only saw a spike in customers during the nomination weekend.
“Only on Saturday and Sunday last week did we see sales increase – to three times the usual amount. Normally, I get over 100 customers a day, but during those two days, it rose to around 400,” he said.
He also criticised the new traffic system, particularly the lack of infrastructure to support pedestrian access.
“Most of my customers are elderly or have toddlers with them. If there were pedestrian crossings, it would make it easier for them to cross the road safely.”
Lee Say Yoong, 58, who has operated his mixed rice eatery for over 25 years, reported no noticeable increase in customers during the campaign period.
“They didn’t come to this side. Most of the people here are locals or workers nearby who come to eat. There was no increase in sales. Very few people came,” he said.
The Batang Padang Public Works Department introduced the one-way traffic system on 23 August last year along Federal Road FT 001 (Section 539-540) and Jalan Majlis in Tapah. As part of the trial, two traffic lights in town were deactivated to supposedly improve traffic flow.
However, the 1.5km route change has reportedly disrupted small businesses and traders operating along the affected roads. The issue had previously drawn the attention of the late Ayer Kuning assemblyman Ishsam Shahruddin, who had advocated on behalf of local hawkers through dialogue sessions with relevant authorities.
On 28 March, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad announced that the first phase of the RM2.2 million upgrade to the one-way traffic system would begin from 7 to 30 April. Works include converting the temporary route into a permanent one, resurfacing roads, installing dividers and signage, and creating new road markings.
Further improvements will include a new route to the mosque via Tapah Road and upgrades to the junction near SK Satu. A second phase costing RM17 million is set to follow, involving the construction of a bypass route to ease travel between Cameron Highlands, Kampar and Bidor, bypassing central Tapah. Completion is expected by 2027.
This phase will include a new 300-metre road built to R5 standards, with two intersections and street lighting.
The by-election for Ayer Kuning was triggered following the sudden passing of incumbent assemblyman Ishsam Shahruddin, 58, from a heart attack. The contest will see a three-way race between Barisan Nasional’s Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir, Perikatan Nasional’s Abd Muhaimin Malek, and Parti Sosialis Malaysia’s deputy secretary-general KS Bawani. – April 18, 2025