SHAH ALAM, May 18 — Businesses operating around the city expect improved connectivity from the Shah Alam LRT line (LRT3) to boost activity, benefiting outlets near stations.
Speaking to Media Selangor, local traders said the rail service, expected to be operational by June, is more than just a transport facility; it is also a catalyst for business expansion and a solution to longstanding traffic congestion in commercial areas.
Nurul Fadilah, 24, who owns Azuwaa Bridal Boutique and Wedding Planner in Section 7 here, expects an increase in walk-in customers once the LRT3 is operational as customers would no longer have to contend with congestion or the lack of parking space.
“God willing, our customer base will grow because we have many clients from KL and Subang, for example. Sometimes, they struggle to find parking and are forced to park by the road.
“When there is this LRT, it makes it easier. They can take the train here and walk three to five minutes to our boutique,” she said.
Fadilah, who commutes daily from Puchong to Shah Alam, said she is excited for the LRT3 to start operating as it would help her save on travel costs and time.
In February, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the LRT3, which connects Shah Alam to Bandar Utama and beyond, is expected to start operating by next month.
In December last year, Prasarana Malaysia Bhd announced the indefinite postponement of the LRT3 opening, and said operations would only start after repairs and technical improvements are done, following various issues found during the testing and commissioning phase.
Hopes for higher foot traffic
Nurfatin Nadia, 32, who works at Bahari Asyek in Section 13, hopes the LRT3 would significantly increase visitor numbers given the boutique’s location near the Stadium Shah Alam station.
She said the store is “quite quiet” at present, with business relying mainly on regular customers.
“In a day, we get about five (customers). Some are new, but most are our regulars, because not many people know about this place yet. I believe (visitor numbers) will increase once the LRT is operational,” she said.
Nurfatin added that improved connectivity would let her better promote the boutique, especially to visitors from outside Shah Alam.
She also hopes the LRT3 will help ease congestion along the city’s main roads, especially during festive seasons, adding that she plans on commuting to work with the service once it starts due to its affordability and the station’s proximity to her workplace.
Meanwhile, salesperson Tengku Erma, 36, who works at Medina Beauty Boutique in Section 7, said the LRT3 would help the shop draw more visitors from outside Shah Alam, especially during school holidays.
She is also optimistic that the service will boost sales and help the store attract new customers.
“I’m excited because there will be more facilities for visitors in the future. People will stop by this area because it is a commercial centre, so it will attract more customers,” said Tengku Erma.
