DBKL: No Plan To Remove Chinese Characters From Petaling Street Signboard

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According to FMT, DBKL clarified that reports suggesting a change to the signage on the prominent Chinese arch, or paifang, at the entrance to Chinatown are untrue and baseless.

"We refer to media reports claiming that there is a proposal to remove the Chinese characters from the 'Jalan Petaling' signboard.

"These allegations are untrue, and we wish to inform the public that the signboard installed at the Jalan Petaling hawker centre complies with the established guidelines and policies.

"As of now, DBKL has no plans or proposals to alter or remove the Chinese characters from the signboard," The Star quoted the city hall as saying.

Malaysiakini reported yesterday, 24 February, that Wee, citing Kuala Lumpur Hawkers and Petty Traders Association chairperson Ang Say Tee, claimed that DBKL "is considering removing the three Chinese characters for Petaling Street (茨廠街) from the signage".

The MCA president opposed the alleged move, stating, "As long as it complies with the 1982 Advertisement Act (Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur) and the 1976 Local Government Act, which require the national language to be prominently displayed and larger than other languages, the presence of the Chinese characters should not be an issue."

He explained that Petaling Street's Chinese name originates from a tapioca flour factory founded by Yap Ah Loy, a historical figure who played a significant role in transforming Kuala Lumpur from a tin mining settlement into a thriving city.

Following Wee's allegation, DAP Youth national secretary Lim Chun Weng called for a clear explanation.

Lim stressed that Petaling Street carries significant cultural and historical value for the Chinese community, arguing that any attempt to remove the Chinese characters from the iconic signboard would be a serious allegation.