Will LIKE choke Brickfields? Residents, religious leaders seek answers on RM2.3b proposed highway

KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 — The Brickfields community has raised the alarm over the proposed RM2.32 billion Laluan Istana-Kiara Expressway (LIKE), warning that the massive project risks “paralysing” the district’s already congested inner roads.

Leaders from local religious institutions and the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) met with project consultants Perunding Tamadun Teras Sdn Bhd yesterday, demanding transparency on how the 7.7km elevated highway will impact daily life and pedestrian safety, The Star reported today.

“Brickfields is home to temples, churches, mosques and schools. It is also a popular shopping destination and one of the most congested areas in the city. Almost every month, major religious festivals are held here. Even if the highway is elevated, the impact on traffic along the inner roads must be taken into consideration,” Sri Maha Muneswarar Temple representative A. Tanuja was quoted as saying, expressing concern over the unique nature of the township.

Formerly known as the Istana Link, LIKE was approved in May 2025 as a three-lane dual carriageway connecting Jalan Istana to Jalan Sungai Besi. 

The project, managed by Lebuhraya DUKE Fasa 2A Sdn Bhd under a 54-year concession, includes eight interchanges linking major Klang Valley arteries.

A primary concern is the safety of the visually impaired community, a demographic central to the Brickfields identity. 

MAB chief executive Datuk George Thomas stressed that construction logistics must not endanger those with disabilities.

“Their safety is crucial. We want to know which roads the construction vehicles will use and at what times. There must be additional safeguards for pedestrians, especially the visually impaired,” he was quoted as saying.

Environmental and legacy issues also took centre stage. 

Representatives from the Holy Rosary Church and the Church of Our Lady of Fatima cited past trauma from infrastructure projects, including noise pollution from the Monorail construction and recurring flash floods that have caused RM100,000 in damages over two years.

Church of Our Lady of Fatima representative Santhana Rengam noted that previous developments had exacerbated local drainage issues. 

“New developments always worry us. We would like to know how this longstanding problem will be addressed,” he was quoted as saying.

In response, engagement coordinator Khairul Ariffin Munir assured stakeholders that all concerns regarding the Traffic and Social Impact Assessments had been noted. 

He promised further sessions with residents and business operators as the consultancy works to provide detailed mitigation plans.