Many expressways flaunt their Rest & Service Areas (RSA), but few can match the ones offered by the North-South Expressway (NSE) operator, Plus.
After extensive upgrading work, the Seremban RSA, located at KM261, is a shining example of mod-cons for the traveller. Re-opened last October, Palm Garden is a mini-destination in its own.
According to Plus CEO Nik Airina Nik Jaafar, RM11mil was poured into the upgrade.
Since Palm Garden is near Seremban, its architecture reflects the state`s Minangkabau heritage. Negri Sembilan`s unique traditional architecture is reflected in the spectacular buildings with their distinctive, dramatically sloping roofs reminiscent of buffalo horns.
The newfangled RSA is lined with palm trees, including the eye-catching silvery Bismarck`s Palm. Purple bougainvilleas and flowering plants add a dash of colour and the carp-filled pond is made merrier by a flapping red banner.
Covered walkways mean one can navigate from one end to another in comfort, safe from sun and rain.
There are food stalls galore, with enough variety to satisfy even the most hardened of foodies. We may not be talking fine-dining here but prices are friendly on the pocket, and cleanliness seems to be up to par.
The true test of any public rest area is, ahem, the smell (or lack of it!) coming from the toilets, and so I went for an obligatory inspection.
I must say, Plus has gone to great lengths to keep the toilets clean by creating an open-air toilet complex with garden features that allow for natural air circulation. The concept seems to work too as there is no unseemly smell – just the faint scent of soap and air freshener.
Plus has charmingly installed colour-coding: pink for women and blue for men.
A small battalion of cleaners seem to be on permanent duty, washing, mopping and checking that all is ship-shape. The toilets are free and open 24/7. That`s not all, for there are also toilets for the disabled and nappy-changing rooms with sofa for tired mums to rest.
The most striking feature of all is the purpose-built children`s toilet with Lilliputian bowls tailor-made for five- to 10-year-olds. When the tykes are done answering Mother Nature`s call, they can proceed to sinks fixed to their height to wash their hands.
There are also family cubicles where a parent may bring a child in and place him in a strap-in seat and proceed to do their business. There are even powder rooms to satisfy one`s vanity in relative privacy.
Shower rooms are available but you are expected to bring your own toiletries. In any case, all toiletries can be purchased at the well-stocked supermarket, which even sells local handicrafts and batik.
The prayer halls are spacious with high ceilings and landscaped ablution areas. The segregated prayer halls have gleaming wooden floors and walls inscribed with holy verses.
Other amenities include picnic areas dotted with wakaf (gazebos). The children`s playground is not exactly Disneyland but it is surprisingly well-equipped. The ground is thoughtfully laid out with special, spongy material to cushion the impact of falls. This recreational spot is a boon for parents.
As Ambok Chening, a Johorean who works and resides in Subang says, “On weekends, I like to take my two children back to Pontian to visit their grandparents, and this RSA is a must-visit as they love running around the playground.”
All in all, Palm Garden is pretty impressive, especially the toilets, which are a far cry from the stinky ones Malaysia is so well known for.
“This is part of our ongoing efforts to upgrade our facilities to further enhance service levels for customers. Our RSAs are not just four walls and a roof as we have incorporated fine architecture, facades, decorative elements and landscaping.
“We undertake this to cater to our customers` needs. This will also encourage them to take a break. The objective is to provide a pleasant environment for their breaks and to enable them to continue on their journey safely in a more alert state of mind,” Nik Airina said.
There are 18 RSAs and two Overhead Bridge Restaurants on the NSE (from Gurun in the north to Machap in the south). Utility costs to keep them running average RM5.8mil annually but expressway users will no doubt appreciate that it is money well-spent!
Source: www.thestar.com (2 Agustus 2007)