Selangor Times
Writer: Gan Pei Ling
Published: Fri, 21 Oct 2011
RAWANG: Indian traders on Jalan Welman in Rawang old town want to turn the area into a thriving business hub that rivals Jalan Tengku Kelana in Klang and Brickfields.
“We want to create our own Little India. We want to attract locals and people from Selayang, Serendah and Batang Kali to come here to shop instead of going all the way to Klang or Kuala Lumpur,” Rawang Indian Businessmen Association vice-chairperson R Ananthan told Selangor Times.
Ananthan showing some of the prayer and alter items for sales at one the shops at Jalan Welmen (photo by Selangor Times)
Ananthan said there are over 25 Indian traders and shops selling a variety of products including sweets, religious items, clothing and accessories on Jalan Welman.
Both the association and the local authority here are already working to promote Jalan Welman ahead of the Deepavali celebration.
“This is the first time we’re organising a carnival from Oct 5-25, with the help of the Selayang Municipal Council,” he said.
He added that most of the shops have been around for more than a decade.
Canopies have been set up in front of the shophouses on Jalan Welman, and businesses are offering various promotions and discounts ahead of the festival.
“You can see the crowd after 4pm and especially on weekends,” said Ananthan.
He said local council enforcement officers and traffic police have been helping to regulate traffic flow. Ananthan said this association is considering organising cultural performances in conjunction with Hindu festivals next year.
Come and join Rawang Deepavali Celebration on 7 Nov.
Meanwhile, Rawang assemblyperson Gan Pei Nei said the state is holding a celebration in Rawang on Nov 7 to celebrate Deepavali.
The public can look forward to cultural performances and good food from 7pm to midnight on Jalan Maxwell in Rawang old town.
Leading The Change 