KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 7 — A surprise visit by Datuk Seri Najib Razak brought good news to the traders at Dataran Sri Angkasa Jaya, Lembah Pantai here as the Prime Minister instructed Kuala Lumpur City (DBKL) to redevelop the food court.

He said DBKL should hold discussions with the traders’ association soonest to come up with a plan for the redevelopment.

"Alhamdulillah (Thank God) I could make a visit and see for myself this food court and hear the grievances of the traders here. Their complaints why their businesses are not doing as well as they would like is justified.

"They can earn a much higher income in future if this food court is re-developed with various feature like a multi-tier parking lot,” he told pressmen from Bernama, RTM and TV3 who covered the visit.

Najib, who arrived at 5.30pm, was welcomed by Lembah Pantai Umno chief Datuk Seri Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin who then accompanied the prime minister on his walkabout.

He inquired about their welfare, shook hands and posed for photographs with the business community there before leaving about half-an-hour later.

Meanwhile, Bangsar Branch Hawkers Association chairman Abu Seman Alias said the development plan was much awaited by the traders to boost their income other then solving the parking problems in the area.

"We believe the plan will boost the income of the hawker community here and give us a chance to get a better and more comfortable facility for trading and relaxing. The local community will surely utilise its benefits,” he said.

The food court was opened in 2008 and houses 88 shops but only 20 are operational due to access problems to the area, and parking. — Bernama