Church workers and parishioners risk life and limb when walking to and from the Taman Connaught MRT station. — Low Lay Phon/The Star
THE lack of pedestrian facilities between a church in Cheras, Selangor and the nearest MRT station is putting devotees at risk.
StarMetro observed that for parishioners to reach Church of St Francis of Assisi from Gate B of the Taman Connaught MRT station, they have to traverse nearly 700m of Cheras-Kajang Expressway (CKE) that has no walkways, zebra crossings or even street lights.
Furthermore, they need to cross three slip roads along the stretch.
Chandra Coyco Cumesa, 33, who goes to the church every Sunday, told StarMetro there had been near-miss incidents where fast-moving vehicles came dangerously close as she walked on that stretch.
Cumesa, who goes to church every Sunday, says she is even more worried after the fatal accident.
“A fatal accident also happened at the stretch last month, making me more worried about my safety,” she added.
Parishioner Gabriella Ann, 18, said the stretch was very dark in the evenings because there was no street lighting.
“I often attend evening events at the church and I worry that motorists cannot see me.
“Some cleaners working in the church have also told me how speeding vehicles almost hit them as they walked to work.”
Peter Bok, 65, who is part of the church’s maintenance team, said pedestrians “have no choice but to take the risk” walking to and from the MRT station.
“I don’t dare to walk there. I have tried before and it is simply too dangerous.”
Danny says MPKj said the stretch without street lights and walkways is under LLM jurisdiction.
Danny Nesan, the church’s Parish Pastoral Council chairman, said the issue not only affected over 2,000 parishioners visiting the church every Sunday, but also those going to Kuala Lumpur Federal Reserve Unit, Cheras Zen Park and nearby residential communities.
He also said the parish had written to Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) requesting construction of a pedestrian walkway as well as zebra crossings with pedestrian traffic lights, and installation of street lighting along the route.
“MPKj replied in a letter dated June 12 that the stretch is under the jurisdiction of the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM).
“Something needs to be done for the safety of our devotees and those going to nearby places,” he said.
LLM had not responded to queries as at press time.
