A car trying to exit Sutera Maya Condominium onto busy Jalan Puchong, where poor visibility and speeding vehicles have led residents to call for a yellow box junction. — Filepic
DESPITE multiple written complaints and an on-site visit with the authorities, residents of Sutera Maya Condominium in Kuala Lumpur say their pleas for basic traffic safety measures continue to fall on deaf ears.
The condominium, located along a busy stretch of Jalan Puchong near Batu 6½, they say was at a three-way junction where vehicles often sped.
They describe exiting the compound as a daily gamble, especially during rush hour, due to a pillar that blocks visibility at the entrance and the lack of a yellow box junction there.
Several accidents have occurred near the guardhouse, they claim, which fronts the only entry-and-exit route for the high-rise community.
“We have had countless near misses at the junction.
“Just recently, a car exiting the condominium was almost hit by a speeding lorry.
“It is a blind spot; you inch out and hope for the best,” said resident CK Yap, who has lived there for five years.
Sutera Maya building executive Srimalar Santhiran said it was only a matter of time before a serious accident occurred.
“There have been too many close calls and we have received a lot of complaints about it.
“It is hazardous, especially during peak hours,” she added.
Resident Go Ai Peng suggested having a yellow box junction to help regulate traffic.
The yellow box junction is designed to keep traffic moving by preventing vehicles from stopping in the junction to allow easy exit and entrance for residents of the condominium.
Sutera Maya Management Corporation chairman N. Priyadarshini said the situation worsened after its immediate neighbour constructed pillars at the entrance to their land.
“This has made turning left and right very difficult for us, as it has created a blind spot.
“I do not think the landowner can put up such structures without Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) authorisation, especially along a main road that is constantly busy,” she said, hoping that something would be done.
Alice Lan Suet Ling, special assistant to Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, said a site visit was conducted after the issue was first brought to her attention.
“There was a site visit with DBKL officials from the Urban Transportation Department as well as Planning and Infrastructure Department late last year.
“The officers said they would study the matter, but we were not aware they did not return to Sutera Maya after that.
“I will follow up with DBKL to check on the status,” said Lan.
