The initiative to transfer Klang's central bus station - away from city-centre and to a complex in Jalan Meru seven kilometres away - is turning into controversy as business owners have opposed the idea.

The entrepreneurs fear the loss of income and even bankruptcy if the buses move to the new location.

The Klang Municipal Council (MPK) had set Nov 1 for the move - but not in effect yet - according to restaurant owner C Krishnan. He has been operating out of the terminal for 20 years.

Yet, he said those renting space within and around the terminal have not been formally informed of transfer and are greatly concerned that the relocation would adversely affect their businesses.

"We have been operating our businesses here for more than 30 years and some for 50 years... but there has not been an official announcement from the government of the transfer," said Krishnan, who represents the business operators.

"We are worried about our future as we are in dark on whether all the busses would be directed to the new stop or only a fraction of it," he said.

The newly constructed building appears to be a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) project, which is being funded by a private developer.

Krishnan told Malaysiakini that less than three years ago he had renovated his restaurant, trusting that there would no relocating the station.

"When we heard rumours that the station is going to be moved a couple of years ago, we questioned them (Klang Municipal Council) but they gave assurance that the station will not be shifted."

The new terminal, he noted also lacked public amenities.

"What happens if someone's handbag is snatched or if there is a fire? For the exorbitant amount that was used (to construct the station), there are no police station, fire station or hospital anywhere nearby.

"Even the railway station is located in the city centre. At least here (in the city centre) all the needed amenities are only about one kilometre away.

"Not only that - buses would have to cross 12 traffic lights and one minor accident could delay a journey for more than an hour," said Krishnan.

Another business operator, Haja Mahidin - who has been a hawker in the area for 13 years - said that all government buildings were in the city.

"It would very difficult for school kids and the elderly to travel all the way to new station to get a bus. We hope the town buses continue to pass through the present station," said Haja.

Don't let us "die off"

Although Krisnan conceded that development was necessary, he requested for the town buses to continue making stops at the current station so that the businesses do not "die off".

Krishnan suggested that only express busses - serving Kuala Lumpur, Johor and Singapore - should be redirected to the new terminal - to reduce congestions in the city.

Business operators have jointly sent protest letters to state government authorities.

"Dr Xavier Jayakumar (Selangor executive councillor) was receptive towards our problem and he said that he would look into the matter to find alternatives," said Krishnan.

Xavier is also the assemblyperson for Seri Andalas, which is located in Klang.

But they said they did not get the same reception when they approached Ronnie Liu, the state exco responsible for local government.

"Liu was not cooperative when we went by his office to state our problems," said Krishnan.

ronnie liu When Liu was asked to comment on the meeting, the Selangor state exco responded that some of the operators were happy about the change, even if some others were not.

"The project was approved when the previous government was in power, and it has been completed. How do you knock it down without being sued?" asked Liu.

Liu said the entire road network in Klang "is messed up" and congestion would continue until development was properly managed.

However, he reassured that a special committee has been set up to "look over the problem and to see whether town buses can be redirected to the city centre".