A lorry tanker making a U-turn just before the height barriers in Jalan Mutiara.
KAJANG Municipal Council (MPKj) has installed a height barrier on both sides of Jalan Mutiara to stop heavy vehicles from entering Bandar Bukit Mahkota in Selangor.
In May, MPKj built a 2.8m height barrier on one side of Jalan Mutiara – the lane entering the township from the neighbouring Nilai 3 industrial area in Negri Sembilan.
However, many heavy vehicles bypassed the barrier illegally by swerving and using the other lane, going against oncoming traffic.
As such, MPKj Engineering Department deputy director Norlaily Abd Rahman said the local council spent RM884,000 to construct another height barrier on the opposite lane, thereby blocking heavy vehicles on both sides of the road. The money was also used to reconstruct part of Jalan Mutiara measuring 300m that was badly damaged.
“The second height barrier was completed on Nov 18.
“We want to limit the usage of residential roads in Bandar Bukit Mahkota, to allow only vehicles below two tonnes.
“The residential roads are not built for heavy vehicles to use.
Flashback to StarMetro’s report on June 14, 2023.
“However, these roads have been regularly used by lorries and trailers, causing damage,” she said at a press conference before visiting the site.
She said the council spent RM4mil earlier this year to rebuild a 2km stretch of Persiaraan Mahkota 1 leading to Bandar Seri Putra, Bangi, and also to construct the first height barrier.
MPKj councillor Rawiyiah Zakaria said closed-circuit television cameras were installed on the barriers for monitoring.
“There have been five attempts by lorry drivers to break down the barriers and drive through despite warning signs.
“The matter is being handled by the police.
“The barriers are heavy-duty ones that cannot be easily knocked down.
“I hope there will not be more such attempts,” said Rawiyiah.
During the site visit, many heavy vehicles were seen making a U-turns before the height barrier.
Hulu Langat MP Mohd Sany Hamzan said there was an alternative road for heavy vehicles to use, namely the Kuala Lumpur-Seremban Highway.
“With the heavy vehicles being off-limits on the residential roads, I hope the roads in the township can be rebuilt or repaired, and will last longer,” he said.
Also at the press conference was Dusun Tua assemblyman Datuk Johan Abd Aziz.
