Pintasan Saloma a boost to the city

The newly opened Pintasan Saloma, built at a cost of RM31 million (including consultancy costs) is an integral part of making the city more walkable.

“The link creates a prominent physical connection between KL City Center and Kampong Bharu, besides boosting walkability in the city,” said Azril Amir Jaafar, principal at the VERITAS Design Group.

The seamless link helps to connect the two prominent destinations which have been separated by the Klang River and the six-lane Ampang Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH), between the old and new parts of the city.

The link was commissioned by the Kampung Bharu Development Corporation (PKB).

VERITAS is the company that is not only involved in designing the aesthetics of Pintasan Saloma but is also extensively involved in the master plan for the Kampong Baru redevelopment.

The government has proposed to redevelop the 121-year-old Kampong Baru into the ‘Taman Warisan Melayu’ (Malay Heritage Park) which will see the preservation of 11 traditional homes and the development of 45,000 houses, including affordable units, to attract more Malays to live in the city centre.

The project is expected to begin this June provided land ownership matters are resolved.

Azril said the Pintasan Saloma was inspired by the Sirih Junjung that is traditionally offered in ceremonies and is a symbol of unity.

“In essence, the Pintasan Saloma represents a ceremonial gesture that embodies the connection between KLCC and Kampong Bharu,” he said.

It will include a re-development of Jalan Saloma that will be redesigned to accommodate a small plaza, wider footpaths with integrated landscape and street furniture; and 370m elevated walkway including a bridge that spans 69m across Sungai Klang and AKLEH.

The Pintasan Saloma will terminate at Kampong Baru with a small elevated platform that provides an opportunity to view KLCC and other major city landmarks including the future of Kampong Bharu.

The connection starts from Lorong Raja Muda Musa 3, about 100 m from Kampung Baru LRT underground station, and is linked to Lorong Saloma, in addition to Menara Public Bank on Jalan Ampang.

Construction of the walkway, designed with LED lights that illuminate the structure, took about 18 months.

Source: NST