The stretch with no lighting beneath a flyover in Jalan 16/11 in Petaling Jaya, Selangor becomes pitch dark at night. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star
The lack of lighting along a stretch between Pusat Dagangan Phileo Damansara 2 and the Phileo Damansara MRT station in Section 16, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, has sparked safety fears among those who finish work late.
Marketing executive Audrey Michael, 24, told StarMetro that the stretch of Jalan 16/11, located under a flyover, was pitch dark at night.
“I work until 8pm or 9pm about three times a week, and I do not feel safe walking through that area to the MRT station.
“I often walk close to the main road where there are street lights, but this is also dangerous because of the traffic,” she said.
She added that the brighter, alternative route through Pusat Dagangan Phileo Damansara 1 and past the entrance to Eastin Hotel was much longer.
“Even though it has street lights, the commercial area is quite deserted as most shops would have closed for the day.
“The longer distance also makes it a tiring walk,” said Audrey.
She hoped the authorities would instal streetlights along the dark stretch.
“Pedestrians like me have to use the torchlight function on our smartphone to see at night.
An artist’s impression of the stretch under the flyover with lighting and road safety features as per the proposed walkability project for the area.
“Also, if nearby office buildings have closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) facing that stretch, better lighting would provide clearer footage of the area should anything happen,” she added.
Another worker, who only wanted to be known as Nurul, said she always felt anxious when walking through the dark stretch.
“I work night shifts once or twice a week.
“The stretch is very dark and barely anyone walks there when it is very late,” she said.
Social enterprise Commute Initiatives director Justin Lee said the stretch was part of the ongoing walkability project for Section 16.
“The stretch could be made safer and more comfortable by having adequate lighting and CCTV system.
“We could even have murals there to make it more lively.
“The road could also be narrowed to reduce vehicle speed, with markings to indicate that it is a shared space between pedestrians and motorists,” he said.
Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung urged residents and business owners to give their suggestions to improve the overall walkability of the area.
“Suggestions can be channelled through the PJLestari website or directly to the authorities,” he said.
Chean Chung said the first phase of the walkability project was complete.
“This phase installed much-needed pedestrian walkways in the area,” he said.
He added that he would push for the upgrades to be completed within the next three years.
In StarMetro’s May 20, 2024, article “Section 16 to have pedestrian spaces”, it was reported that a walkability project spearheaded by Chean Chung would introduce a 500m walkway connecting the traffic light intersection of Jalan 17/1 and Jalan 16/11 to Phileo Damansara 2.
The design included safety features such as bollards to keep pedestrians away from vehicular traffic, a zebra crossing at the entrance to Phileo Damansara 1 and lights under the road ramp.
