A TikTok user, Mikhail, who grew up in Kuala Lumpur’s Keramat area, recently posted a video lamenting the drastic changes in the city’s landscape.
In his TikTok video, titled “When Urban Planning Worsens Quality of Life,” showcased a comparison between Jalan Jelatek in 2013 and 2024, highlighting the stark transformation from a once serene, tree-lined avenue to a concrete overpass.
The video struck a chord with many who echoed his sentiments.
Used to be a beautiful road in KL
“Back when I was a child, sunlight used to shine through the trees along this road, and it felt peaceful to drive through,” Mikhail said.
In his video, the 2013 version of Jalan Jelatek is seen as a vibrant, sun-dappled street, with sunlight filtering through the leaves of the trees lining the road.
Fast forward to 2024, the same street is now overshadowed by a towering grey overpass, blocking the sunlight and drastically altering the once beautiful scenery.
Mikhail expressed his sadness over the disappearance of the greenery that once defined the area, saying, “Today, the road looks completely different, and it makes me feel upset.”
City for car not for human
In his critique of the urban planning decisions, Mikhail questioned whether the city’s development is truly for the people or merely for vehicles.
“The people responsible for designing and planning this city don’t understand what truly matters. A city isn’t just about having an extensive road network; it’s about being a livable space for its residents,” he remarked.
He further questioned the purpose of living in a city if the urban environment brings discomfort, asking, “Why live in a city if it makes life harder? Is the city built for cars or for people?”
Spaghetti Junction
Mikhail also referenced the sprawling and complex Damansara–Shah Alam Elevated Expressway (DASH), often nicknamed the “spaghetti junction” due to its intricate network of intersections.
Many residents in the nearby Kota Damansara area, he noted, face challenges when trying to cross from one side of the expressway to the other, despite the seemingly short distance.
“It’s like a nightmare trying to figure out how to navigate this massive highway,” he joked.
Watch the full video here:
