Main image via Malay Mail + Facebook/DBKL
The pandemic has been going on for… a long time now and just like you, we miss travelling.
But for those of you missing Japan, well, a piece of the beautiful country is now in Malaysia!
via GIPHY
Those who have visited the iconic Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo will now be able to experience the same vibes in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) recently implemented a pedestrian scramble at the busy intersection of Bukit Bintang.
According to DBKL, the new Shibuya-style crossing will help to optimize walkability in the high-traffic pedestrian area, which would provide greater convenience for pedestrian and improve road safety at the same time.
Image via Malay Mail
The scramble pedestrian crossing has been introduced at the intersection of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Bukit Bintang.
“Pedestrians will be allowed to cross in all directions with the change,” DBKL said. “This method is being implemented after a detailed study conducted by DBKL of the intersection and the area.”
“These changes make it easier for road users who pass through the road as well as reduce the risk of accidents.”
Image via Facebook/DBKL
For those unfamiliar with the term, a scramble crossing – AKA an X-crossing, is a pedestrian-crossing system that stops all vehicular traffic and allows those walking to cross an intersection in every direction, including diagonally, at the same time.
Of course, the Shibuya crossing in Japan is the most well known with the intersection featured in many movies, series, photographs and more.
In 2012, an estimated 1.5 million pedestrians crossed the Shibuya intersection every week, however with the ongoing the pandemic, the numbers are unsurprisingly less.
via GIPHY
We can’t wait to check out Malaysia’s Shibuya crossing once we’re allowed to travel freely again!
Before that can happen, we all have to be responsible in doing our parts to curb the spread of Covid-19 by staying home and following all the SOPs that have been set.
Have you been to the Shibuya crossing in Tokyo? Share your experience with us!
Info via The Star + Malay Mail