The Saloma Link Bridge, Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur
At times, a mere bridge can significantly reduce travel time and enhance walkability, leading to an improvement in the overall quality of life for residents on both sides. While the bridges discussed in this article may not be big in scale, the substantial benefits they bring to the less developed side are evident, not just economically but also in elevating the standard of living.
Take Kampung Baru, for instance, which has evolved since its establishment by the British colonial administration in 1897. A bridge linking Kampung Baru to the more developed Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) serves a purpose beyond aesthetics.
At its launch, Kampong Bahru Development Corporation (PKB) chairman Datuk Affendi Zahari said the pedestrian bridge would span 68m between Lorong Raja Muda Musa 3 and Lorong Saloma. It was completed within a year and a half.
The bridge, similar in design to the Bridge of Peace in Tbilisi, Georgia, was installed with a state-of-the-art lighting system that would highlight the uniqueness of the bridge at night, giving a satisfying view of the tallest twin towers in the world and the best area for tourists and locals to take their photos.
According to Lillian Tay, principal and director at Veritas Design Group, this bridge, known as the Saloma Link, spans the Klang River and the Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway, significantly reducing the walking distance from Kampung Baru to KLCC. It takes less than a minute’s brisk walk to cross the linkage instead of the 2.4km or 30-minute walk that one had to take to reach KLCC from the opposite end.
Completed in 2020, the Saloma Link, estimated to cost RM20 million, has significantly cut pedestrian travel time and greatly improved walkability within the city. Interviewed at the time when the bridge was first mooted, Tay emphasised that such a bridge would not only enhance connectivity but also elevate the standard of living for Kampung Baru residents. And she was correct.
The rentability of property within Kampung Baru as well as its real estate value increased. While the Covid-19 pandemic dampened the initial effects of the bridge, the later outcome was very different to the residents. There has been a 2.26% hike in the rental yield while the reported price estimates by independent valuers profess the value is higher at RM1,500 to RM2,000 per sq ft (psf).
According to former Federal Territories (FT) Minister Khalid Abdul Samad in 2019, the Valuation and Property Services Department (JPPH) had put a price tag of between RM650 per sq ft and RM850 per sq ft for the Kg Baru area. There was supposedly a revision to under RM1,000 psf that was offered by the previous government to modernise the Malay enclave in the heart of Kuala Lumpur in 2020 but there was no confirmation on this report.
Nevertheless, it appears that the property value is on the rise. However, many are very cautious of these valuations as Kampung Baru has been plagued with numerous hiccups over its redevelopment. So despite being next to property values in KLCC which can fetch over RM3,000 psf, this Malay-titled enclave might be very undervalued.
Other success stories
Other parts of Malaysia also saw the emergence of pedestrian bridges. The Darul Hana Bridge in Sarawak, costing RM35mil, connects Pangkalan Batu and Pangkalan Sapi, separated by the Sarawak River. Opened in November 2017, this 335m-long S-shaped bridge, with a design inspired by the Bidayuh community's bamboo bridges, has rejuvenated the community. Residents can now walk to Kuching City instead of undertaking a 9km drive.
Residents from Kampung Boyan can now walk to Kuching City instead of a 9km drive. Kampung Boyan has many attractions including home-grown businesses selling items like the famous kek lapis local food and delicacies as well as the heritage site of Fort Margherita, which was built in 1879 by Raja James Brooke.
Tourists can walk across the link from Kuching to the new and old State Legislative Assembly buildings, Botanic Gardens and Orchid Garden as well as other iconic sites without having to take a sampan. In addition, property value and rent have also seen a slight increase. The smaller inns and hotels as well as eateries on the other side of the river are now more patronised.
The Darul Hana Bridge, Kuching, Sarawak
In Penang, the proposed 3-km cable car linkage, the Penang Sky Cab, connecting George Town to Butterworth has yet to start. Expected to be operational in three years from the day of its construction, this cable car service will provide an alternative means of crossing the channel, taking about 15 minutes to complete the journey and accommodating up to 1,000 passengers per hour.
The joint venture project between the Penang government and Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd is estimated to be around RM250mil to RM300mil at the time that it was mooted but with the escalating cost of materials and labour, this figure might be higher. The latest news regarding its construction is that it has been put on hold pending the completion of the light rail transit line 3 (LRT3). As of 3Q 2023, the progress of the LRT3 construction stood at 86.5% and is estimated to be completed by March 2025. This means that the earliest completion of the Penang Sky Cab will be at the end of 2028 at the earliest.
These bridge and linkage projects are not merely structures but integral components contributing to the communities they serve. Enhancing accessibility, boosting the local economy, increasing property value, and elevating the standard of living are all part of the broader goal to enhance a city's livability, mirroring the positive impact experienced in Sarawak and other regions. The quest for improved connectivity and community development continues, making these linkages vital for sustainable urban growth.
From the Sarawak experience, the Darul Hana Bridge has added to the community through enhanced accessibility, an improved economy for the residents of Kampung Boyan, an increase in property value, and a better standard of living – all a part of increasing a city’s livability. But some things depend on other factors such as the case of Kampung Baru.
Modernising Kampung Baru
In some ways, Kampung Baru has remained anachronistic as a village rather than a city suburb, despite being a stone’s throw from KLCC, one of Kuala Lumpur’s busiest areas. The government’s PKB has adopted a measured approach to modernising the area by working with various developers on high-profile projects such as the RM1.04bil Setia Sky Residences and RM1.2bil Datum Jelatek.
Setia Sky Residence and Datum Jelatek are constructed by SP Setia Bhd and the Selangor State Development Corporation’s (PKNS) premium development arm, DatumCorp International Sdn Bhd, respectively.
There is visible progress in the area, with several developments already taking shape and more in the construction stage but its transformation lacks the speed of KLCC and its immediate vicinity. Kampung Baru, at best, is being redeveloped bit-by-bit due to the complex nature of land ownership in the area and PKB had to be flexible in developing Kampung Baru, according to the authority.
It was previously reported that Kampung Baru would undergo a RM43 bil facelift over the next 20 years but this remains to be seen despite its increased connectivity.
On smaller scales
Woven throughout various cities and key urban centres are smaller-scale bridges that serve as crucial linkages, not only enhancing connectivity but also providing shelter from the frequent rainfall characteristic of Malaysia's tropical climate. Notable instances include the elevated walkway seamlessly connecting the Suria KLCC Shopping Mall to Pavilion Kuala Lumpur at Bukit Bintang and the intricate network in Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, seamlessly linking diverse segments of Sunway's developments within the township.
Expanding beyond mere surface-level connections, these linkages incorporate subterranean passages like the tunnel that efficiently connects Fahrenheit 88 to Pavilion Kuala Lumpur in Bukit Bintang or The Curve Shopping Centre to IKEA in Mutiara Damansara. The unifying element across these bridges and linkages, now intricately woven into the fabric of Kuala Lumpur and various Malaysian cities, lies in their collective impact on augmenting connectivity and walkability.
These linkages don't merely serve as functional connections- they become conduits for fostering community engagement, stimulating economic activities and promoting a healthier lifestyle. As Malaysia undergoes continuous development, the prevalence of such innovative connectivity solutions is expected to increase, making walkability a cornerstone of urban planning strategies.
The elevated walkways, for instance, not only provide shelter from the elements but also encourage pedestrians to explore the cityscape on foot. These pedestrian-friendly initiatives contribute to a more sustainable urban environment by reducing reliance on vehicular transportation and mitigating traffic congestion. Moreover, as urban areas become more densely populated, creating interconnected pathways becomes essential to alleviate the strain on existing infrastructure.
Underground passages, like the one connecting shopping destinations, exemplify a commitment to enhancing the overall shopping and leisure experience. The seamless transition between different establishments adds convenience for consumers and contributes to the vibrancy of commercial hubs.
Looking forward, the emphasis on developing pedestrian-friendly infrastructure aligns with global trends in urban planning that prioritise sustainable and resilient cities. The concept of a walkable city extends beyond mere physical pathways. It encompasses the creation of vibrant public spaces, green corridors and accessible amenities. Urban planners and developers are increasingly recognising the positive impact of well-designed linkages on community well-being, economic vitality, and environmental sustainability.
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