‘Roadside traders making traffic conditions in Tmn Sri Serdang worse’

Vehicles on Jalan BS 5/26 manoeuvring around a fruit seller. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

Fruit and food sellers who park their vehicles beside a corner shop along Jalan BS 5/26 in Taman Sri Serdang are worsening traffic congestion there.

The area in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, known for its popular eateries, has heavy traffic especially during peak hours.

Subang Bersekutu (Bersatu’s non-bumiputra wing) chief Wong Yong Kang said the narrow road has become increasingly congested from early in the morning.

“It’s unfair that these traders are allowed to operate freely while those trading from permanent premises have to pay up to RM5,000 in rent,” Wong said in a press conference.

Wong finds it unfair that traders operating in permanent premises have to pay up to RM5,000 in rent.

“The shops here open as early as 7am and parents of schoolchildren have complained about traffic jams during peak hours,” he added.

Selangor Bersekutu chairman Datuk Goh Gaik Meng said residents had also raised concerns about the lack of parking bays in the area.

This was confirmed by Lok Leong, a resident of Taman Bukit Serdang, who said the traders had taken up several parking spaces.

Goh says residents also complained about lack of parking in the area.

A fruit trader who declined to be identified shared his own frustration with the situation.

He said Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) had offered him a spot at a nearby food court, but he feared being among crowds after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I fear catching infectious diseases due to the large number of people,” said the 67-year-old who said he just wanted to make a living.

Wong suggested that MBSJ designate an area for these traders to operate so that they do not disrupt the traffic flow.