Call to adjust timing of traffic lights to ease congestion in Bandar Sg Long

Residents in Bandar Sungai Long, Kajang, Selangor, are frustrated with two problematic traffic lights along Jalan Sungai Long.

The chairman of the Bandar Sungai Long Residents Association, Datuk BK Tan, has identified the Taman Rakan traffic lights junction near the Taman Rakan Petronas petrol station as the root cause of the issue.

“The problem lies with the mismatched timing of these traffic lights,” he explained, noting that they do not work in sync, resulting in traffic build-up.

“During peak hours, motorists are stuck in traffic for half an hour on a 3km stretch, which only takes five minutes to traverse during non-peak periods,” Tan added.

Furthermore, he mentioned that it takes more than 45 minutes to reach the airport due to the congestion.

Edmund Cham, a resident of Bandar Sungai Long Section 7, stated that the high number of housing estates in the area contributes to the traffic congestion.

“Additionally, the presence of a university in Bandar Sungai Long with around 3,000 students adds to the problem,” Cham noted.

Bandar Sungai Long residents want the authorities to address the traffic congestion problem they face daily.

Cham suggested that managing traffic flow with the help of traffic police during rush hour could provide relief.

“Residents from neighboring Bandar Mahkota Cheras also use Jalan Sungai Long to avoid the toll at Batu 11 Cheras,” he added.

Azman Mahmud, a 60-year-old resident of Bandar Sungai Long, expressed his frustration, stating that he can listen to two music albums from start to finish while waiting to exit the area.

“At the Bandar Sungai Long commercial zone junction, the road narrows from three lanes to two, causing a bottleneck situation,” Mahmud explained.

Furthermore, some long-time residents claim that no measures have been taken to accommodate the population growth, increasing traffic, as well as the university and schools in the area.

“I suggest that the relevant authorities take a drive along Jalan Sungai Long during peak hours to experience firsthand the congestion endured daily by residents,” Azman urged.

Danny Lau, the chairman of Bandar Sungai Long Section 7, highlighted that the two traffic lights are managed by the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) and Projek Lintasan Sungai Besi-Ulu Klang Sdn Bhd (Prolintas).

Lau emphasized that the lack of coordination between the two lights is causing severe congestion during peak hours.

Tan: Motorists are stuck in traffic for half an hour on a 3km stretch that takes only five minutes to traverse during non-peak periods.

“More than 40 neighborhoods’ motorists are using these roads,” he noted, emphasizing the need for addressing the capacity issue of Jalan Sungai Long.

“Several years ago, letters were sent with suggested solutions to the assemblyman and MPKj councillor, but no action has been taken,” Lau added.

A spokesperson from Prolintas stated that Sistem Lingkaran-Lebuhraya Kajang Sdn Bhd, the SILK Highway concessionaire, is aware of the traffic lights synchronization problem on Jalan Sungai Long.

They further mentioned that SILK is in discussions with MPKj to improve the timing and synchronization of the traffic lights, and implementation will proceed once both parties reach an agreement.

Prolintas appreciates the feedback from motorists and is committed to improving its services.

As of press time, MPKj had not responded to StarMetro’s request for comments.