A pedestrian crossing was set up near SMK St Mark in Butterworth. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
A FATAL motorcycle accident earlier this month has raised concerns among parents over students’ safety at SMK St Mark in Butterworth, Penang.
Although the incident did not involve any student, parents are calling for immediate action to prevent further accidents near the school’s premises.
SMK St Mark Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) chairman Mugilan Chandran said parents had urged the authorities to implement better safety measures including installing traffic lights in front of the school.
“The accident was not the first fatal incident.
“There have been other accidents here over the years, including one involving the school’s traffic warden a few months ago,” he said.
Mugilan said having traffic lights near the school would improve traffic flow, get motorists to slow down and ensure better safety for students during drop-off and pick-up times.
He said signboards alerting motorists of a school nearby should be put up at strategic locations.
Mugilan said improving road conditions and proper markings would enhance safety by getting drivers to reduce speed when approaching the school.
Mugilan showing a photo of the accident site in front of the school that claimed the life of a motorcyclist.
He said that during a meeting with the Public Works Department (JKR), the PTA’s request for traffic lights was not met.
“With slightly over 1,000 students, we need to improve traffic management at the school zone to reduce accidents,” he said.
Mugilan said the school has an on-duty traffic warden from 6.30am to 7.30am but not at the end of the school session.
As a short-term measure, JKR has put in place a pedestrian crossing. he said.
Telok Ayer Tawar state constituency coordinator Zaiferi Md Yusoff said the issue of road safety had been raised during a meeting with the JKR district engineer.
Zaiferi said he would ask JKR to look into the matter urgently as the issue involves students.
Telok Ayer Tawar assemblyman Azmi Alang said speed bumps and more signage were needed to ensure public safety.
He called for the installation of speed bumps on both sides of the road before the school so that cars and motorcycles would slow down.
Azmi said he would raise the matter during a focus group meeting next month at North Seberang Perai District Office.
“I hope relevant authorities like JKR can do something,” he said.
