AMPANG, Sept 2 — Abandoned phone booths should be converted into new facilities like solar charging stations or emergency aid centres, said Teratai assemblyman Yew Jia Haur.
He said there are around 10 old phone booths in his constituency, with some of them having been abandoned for over 10 years due to lack of use and maintenance.
“The booth structures are damaged, while most of their interiors have been trashed or are so damaged that only the frames are left.
“Abandoned phone booths aren’t just not functional anymore, but affect the neighbourhood’s aesthetic value and could become Aedes mosquito breeding grounds,” he told Media Selangor.
He also said almost no one uses phone booths now as everyone has mobile phones.
“They are no longer relevant and there are almost no users. I am also referring to practices in several foreign cities that have modified their old phone booths into new public facilities for the longevity of their function and value,” he added.
Yew said these structures could also be turned into solar charging stations and emergency aid centres.
“In Penang, old phone booths have been converted into mini libraries that let people borrow and exchange books for free,” he added.
He explained that renovated phone booths could also be turned into mobile phone charging stations as many people are worried about their battery running out when they are outdoors.
“Seeing as most phone booths are near bus stops, there is a need to provide phone-charging facilities in those areas.”
He added that his office has asked the local council to identify locations suitable for the pilot project and hopes it is realised soon.
“After the data is compiled and an early suggestion draft is prepared, it will be submitted to the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) as this project needs the council’s cooperation,” Yew said.
