I am quite pleased to have read in the papers that progress has been made on the MRT project following the signing of a Points of Agreeement (POA) between 21 Jalan Inai lot owners and MRT Corp.

As a businessman operating in Petaling Street, I was wondering why such a deal is not possible with the Petaling Street land owners as well.

If the owners only need to move out for six months, not to mention that all losses will be compensated and no buildings will be demolished, the MRT will undoubtedly bring human traffic right into the heart of the Petaling Street area and will be a boon for future businesses here.

Tourists and those wanting to come here will find it easier and more convenient when the MRT is operational.

There will definitely be an increase in walk-in customers as those taking the MRT daily will stop along the way to buy simple things such as drinks, food and newspapers.

Everywhere around the world where the MRT runs through any particular area, businesses grow, property values go up and the area becomes vibrant and buzzing at all hours of the day.

Just take a look at Chinatown in Singapore and Leicester Square in London where businesses are busy day and night, thanks to rail networks that pick up and drop off people in these places.

If the MRT line were to reach the fringes of the main Petaling Street area or bypass this area entirely, we would lose this additional business.

While there may be some inconveniences in the short term, I think I would be more than happy to sit it out for the bigger rewards in the long term.

I hope that the project gets underway soon.