The Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) has erected signboards to inform drivers that the Jalan Intan 1-Jalan Pakis 2 stretch in Cheras is exclusively for residents’ use.
This short stretch has been a popular shortcut for drivers going from Jalan Medan Masria to Persiaran Awana.
Situated in the housing areas of Taman Fern Grove and Taman Cheras Permata 2, this 450m-long, single-lane stretch served as an alternate route for drivers heading to Taman Segar Perdana, Taman Cheras Awana, and the Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway.
MPKj put up signage on September 4th along Persiaran Awana, Jalan Medan Masria, and at the junction of Jalan Intan 1 to announce the closure.
The council took this action in response to complaints from residents who stated that the heavy traffic entering these narrow roads was negatively impacting their quality of life.
Safiah Yusof, a resident of Jalan Pakis 2, mentioned the difficulty of crossing the road in front of her house.
“During peak hours, there was bumper-to-bumper traffic,” she said.
“In such situations, I can only hope that other drivers will be courteous enough to stop and let me pass. However, unfortunately, not many of them do so,” she added.
Jalan Intan 1 resident Ng Chai Heng estimated that approximately 2,000 vehicles use this route as a shortcut on a daily basis.
“Even large vehicles like oil tankers, excavators, and cement trucks enter this residential area,” he remarked.
In May of this year, Chai Heng, who was celebrating his son’s wedding, was threatened by a driver for blocking the road, despite having obtained the necessary permits from MPKj.
His daughter sustained minor injuries after being hit by a motorcycle while standing in front of their gate.
“These outsiders have no concern for the safety of residents,” said another resident, Angie Ng.
“There have been instances when vehicles enter the opposing traffic lane to avoid a parked car on the road shoulder,” she continued.
“Once, they nearly hit my father and me while we were on our morning walk,” Ng added.
So Chai Thiam and Tan Hang Seng are among others who have expressed safety concerns.
So (left) and Ng showing the signboard on the road closure to outsiders.
So’s wife experienced an accident when her car was crashed into while she was reversing out of their home.
So also expresses concerns for the safety of his grandchildren.
The traffic situation has also made it challenging for residents to receive guests and find parking outside their homes.
Tan questioned whether the increased traffic load would have any impact on the retaining wall between the Taman Fern Grove slope and Taman Cuepacs.
“I am worried that the soil might give way on this slope,” Tan said.
As an alternative, residents have suggested that drivers use Jalan Koop Cuepacs 3, a two-lane road, to reach Persiaran Awana.
MPKj declined to comment when contacted.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
