Part 4/6:
The conversation shifts to the recent transformation of Sungai Road. Once a relaxed spot where people could drop by, have lunch, or conduct meetings, the area has become much more congested and commercialized. One person notes that Sungai Road’s charm has diminished due to its “squeezy” nature—less space, more crowding.
A key factor in this transformation was the introduction of music. Previously, communities could freely enjoy loud music from traditional Hokkien, Tamil, Bangkala, and other cultural tunes without concern—adding to the vibrant, festive atmosphere of the street.