KUALA LUMPUR: Motorcyclists will soon benefit from the government’s plan to construct 119 motorcycle shelters on highways across the country. This initiative, known as Bitara Madani, is a collaboration between the Works Ministry and the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) and involves 33 highway concessionaires.
Tengku Ahmad Marwan Tengku Mahmud, a road safety expert affiliated with the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros), expressed support for the initiative and suggested the installation of appropriate warning signs to inform other road users about the presence of the shelters. He emphasized the need for drivers to slow down when passing them.
“I believe that the ministry and the highway concessionaires will conduct a thorough study to determine the necessary components and the optimal locations for the shelters, especially in areas with high motorcycle traffic,” he said in an interview with Bernama.
On August 4, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi announced that a total of 119 shelters would be constructed on highways nationwide, aiming to provide motorcyclists with convenient shelter options, particularly during harsh weather conditions.
Nanta revealed that 40 out of the 119 new shelters are expected to be completed by the end of this year, while the rest will be ready next year, in addition to the existing 353 shelters.
In addition to the government’s efforts, there are already stand-alone shelters provided by PLUS Malaysia Bhd (PLUS) along certain sections of highways such as KM18.8 (northbound) of the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) and KM429.2 (southbound) of the North-South Expressway, which is currently under construction.
Tengku Ahmad Marwan further elaborated that the construction of these shelters will provide motorcyclists with a safer and more comfortable environment. The shelters are built at a distance from the road and equipped with guard rails, significantly reducing the risk of accidents involving other vehicles.
Muhammad Afiq Muhammad Nasriq, a p-hailing rider, expressed his gratitude for the initiative as it will make his daily commute from Shah Alam to Kuala Lumpur safer and more convenient, especially during rainfall.
“The distance between our home and workplace is about 35km. When it rains, it’s difficult to find shelter, and we often end up getting soaked along with our belongings,” he said.
Satisfied with the government’s initiative, Sumali Samsuri, a regular motorcyclist who frequently uses the NKVE to commute to work, emphasized the positive impact on the safety of motorcyclists and their families.
“Usually, I have to seek shelter at a petrol station or bus stop, but the cramped conditions and wet motorcycles make me uncomfortable. With the shelters, I no longer have to worry about slippery roads and dangerous potholes. It brings peace of mind to my wife as well,” Sumali expressed.
– Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
