I Have Never Seen Masjid India So Deserted In 25 Years

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CORONAVIRUS | "I have been selling kacang putih from this lorry for more than 25 years. I am shocked and sad after Masjid India closed
"I have never seen (the Masjid India area) as deserted as this," said 58-year-old M Subramaniam, who sells kacang putih and fruits at Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Kuala Lumpur
Malaysiakini's visit to Jalan Masjid India yesterday found the business area was closed completely for the residents in the surrounding area to be screened for Covid-19
Previously, three condominium buildings at Menara City One at Jalan Munshi Abdullah and the Selangor and Malayan Mansion at Jalan Masjid India have had the enhanced movement control order (MCO) imposed on them
This area is popular among Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley residents for shopping especially during the festival seasons such as Hari Raya and Deepavali
"Even though Masjid India is under MCO, I come here every day to feed the birds in the area
"I have fed the birds here almost every day for 10 days. It's so pitiful if I don't feed them, so I come to give them bread," Subramaniam said.

The trader also revealed that his lorry, which is still parked in the Masjid India area, had its battery stolen recently.

"My lorry is still at Jalan Munshi Abdullah. But the battery was stolen. I don't know who stole it.

"I can't even move it out. It is difficult to buy a new battery also. The shops are still closed," he said.

Restoran ABC owner Ayub Khan said he was still calm even though his restaurant was forced to close down due to the MCO.

"I opened my restaurant 15 years ago. If you want to ask me how I feel about Masjid India being shut down, I don’t know what to say. Maybe this is what God wants.

"It is sad to see Masjid India shut down. It is an important business centre in Kuala Lumpur even though this area seems small.

"It means a lot to us traders here," he said when contacted by Malaysiakini.

Ayub, who is 57 years old, said it might take up to a year for the economy around Masjid India to recover.

"Many are still struggling with rent and paying their workers. Hopefully, everything will return to normal," he said.

Meanwhile, A Baharuddin Travel and Tour travel agency management director Zaleha Banu said she was worried about the residents and workers in the Masjid India area.

"We started operating from (Masjid India) 20 years ago. Aside from being a business centre, it is also a tourist spot and it is always full of tourists.

"Especially tourists from India will not miss the chance to shop at Masjid India before going home," she said to Malaysiakini.

She said she has not been to the office since March 18 when the MCO first came into effect. The MCO has since been extended to April 28.

"During Ramadan, this area is very festive. Ramadan bazaars, breaking fasts by the roadside, there is no need to talk about how festive this area gets.

"But after hearing the news about Masjid India, I feel like crying. I have never seen a lockdown in my life. I pray for all to be healthy and safe," she said.

The government also needs to ensure the welfare and safety of the residents and workers at Masjid India are taken care of, she added.

"This is not a question of Malaysian, Indian, Bangladeshis, Pakistanis and all that. We are all humans, that is what is important.

"But at the same time, they (foreign citizens) cannot disobey the government's orders. Everyone has to cooperate," she said.

Meanwhile, 52-year-old Tajuddin Faros, who lives at Selangor Mansion, has thanked the government for the help given to them at this time.

"In the beginning, it was a little hard, but now everything is okay. Food is sent at the right time. As far as I know, no one is left behind.

"There have also been contributions from NGOs and restaurants nearby," said Tajuddin, who works as a lorry driver.

Yesterday, Health Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah had said there were a total of 75 cases at Selangor Mansion, while Malayan Mansion had four cases and Menara City One has 31 positive cases. - Mkini

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