The developer of the Forest Heights neighbourhood in Seremban, Negri Sembilan, recently announced plans to construct a roundabout at the Forest Park junction – site of a fatal accident on April 1, last year.
The proposal has received approval from Seremban City Council (MBS), with construction costs to be borne by the company.
While the roundabout is meant to improve traffic flow into Forest Heights, many residents are uncertain whether this measure adequately addresses the broader safety and congestion issues.
Forest Heights comprises a primary school, a college and multiple residential areas.
Notably, Taman Dusun Setia, which is accessed via a narrow sloped road, contributes significantly to traffic congestion, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up hours.
Vehicles entering and exiting the neighbourhood add to the peak-hour bottlenecks on Persiaran Forest Heights 2.
The junction at Taman Dusun Setia is also situated on an incline, posing a serious safety hazard.
It is not uncommon to witness drivers attempting to turn left or right without properly yielding to oncoming traffic, leading to several near-misses.
Given all this, it is unclear whether a roundabout alone can resolve the existing traffic congestion or improve safety.
Without accompanying measures such as traffic lights or better regulation at the Persiaran Forest Heights 2 junction, the situation may worsen or merely shift congestion to another point.
A more comprehensive traffic management solution is needed, one that accounts for peak-hour congestion, school zones and the unique road layout of the area.
We urge the authorities and the developer to engage with the local community and traffic experts to explore safer and more effective long-term solutions.
Public safety and proper traffic regulation must remain the top priorities in all urban planning decisions.
Additionally, existing sodium vapour streetlights along Persiaran Forest Heights 2 are dim, making it difficult to see clearly at night.
MBS should look into replacing these streetlights with LED lights which are brighter and more energy efficient, which can also lead to long-term cost savings.
Michael Ng
Forest Heights, Seremban
