(From left) Ali and Selvadurai showing where sand is being washed into the drainage system. — Photos: AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
Debris, sand from Bangsar infrastructure work pose safety hazard
RESIDENTS near Lorong Maarof, Lorong Maarof 1 and Jalan Maarof in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, are worried about hazards posed by ongoing construction work near a road leading to Bangsar LRT station.
The work involves pipe laying, drain upgrades and improvements to public walkways.
Residents said debris was carelessly left by the side of the road near the project site.
A. Selvadurai said, “The debris needs to cleared away and the area should be cordoned off with sandbags.”
Bukit Bandaraya residents association advisor Datuk M. Ali said he had received numerous safety-related complaints.
“At night, there are no signs or road construction blinkers to alert motorists and pedestrians.
“We eventually found blinkers buried under sand and dust.”
StarMetro found a lot of mess during a visit to the site on Monday.
A loosely covered hole among dangers faced by pedestrians at the construction site.
Signs lay toppled on the ground and traffic construction blinkers, designed to warn of nighttime hazards, were buried under rubble.
The walkway was obstructed by additional construction debris, and newly dug trenches were inadequately covered with planks, posing risks to pedestrians, particularly after dark.
Of greater concern was a mound of sand that had washed into drains and manholes, blocking water flow and potentially leading to flash floods if unaddressed.
“We urge Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to intervene and instruct the contractor to adopt better maintenance practices,” Ali said.
In response, a representative from the project contractor, Muhd Hafizuddin, explained that many difficulties were faced transporting sand and debris during weekends due to a DBKL regulation prohibiting lorries from entering residential areas during festivals.
“Our workers are instructed to sweep the area daily to uphold cleanliness,” Hafizuddin said, assuring residents that proactive engagement with affected households would be held and that safety protocols would be strictly followed.
The infrastructure project, initiated in June last year, is slated for completion in April.
Ali also raised concerns about an upcoming power cable-laying project for a nearby development, saying that residents were not consulted.
“Lorong Maarof is not suitable for cable laying due to it being a core residential neighbourhood.”
He proposed Jalan Maarof as a more suitable alternative road as it was wider, and urged DBKL to hold an engagement session with stakeholders to properly address the matter.
