THE ongoing construction of the Air Itam-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway has closed up regular access points from Lebuhraya Thean Teik to Lintang Angsana with businesses like eateries reporting a plunge in business since the barriers were placed in July.
Sam Saik, 35, who runs a local Cantonese delights shop said his business has dwindled in the past month with many regulars not returning to their usual haunt.
"The access point in and out of Lintang Angsana from both directions of Lebuhraya Thean Teik brought in customers from all over the Air Itam area.
"Now with the road closure, the closest access point is further down the road and requires them to take a longer route to our shops.
"I have been running my business for over seven years and it has been good except during the pandemic and now when the road is closed.
"Business has gone down by 40% and the atmosphere feels like during Covid-19 days.
"Earlier in the year, they closed the access temporarily but then reopened it but now they have permanently closed it," he said.
Saik said he had to reduce manpower at his shop as he could no longer sustain their pay.
"These are residents in the area who work for me part-time.
"I do not have enough business to keep them on right now.
"We are unsure when this project will be completed and if they will build a U-turn nearby for the opposite end traffic along Lebuhraya Thean Teik to turn in here.
"This is inconvenient for all of us as well as residents here," he said when met during a press conference held by Bukit Gelugor MCA vice-chairman Chooi Foo Cheong along Lintang Angsana on Thursday (Aug 21).
Lee Wai Keat, 37, who opened a Dim Sum stall four months ago said business was great till the road closure.
"Had I known this would happen I would not have opened my stall here.
"This is my first business and I have spent my savings on starting this business.
"Now I barely make a profit," he said.
Lee said he used to close once a week but as he was not making enough money, he has to remain open daily.
Chooi said as this project was long-term, he hoped this portion would only be closed temporarily.
"Once they build the section, I hope they can consider building a U-turn for those who want to enter Lintang Angsana from the opposite lane.
"We have received multiple complaints from local businesses here and want to raise their plight.
"We urge them to build an alternative turn (traffic light) or U-turn nearby to swiftly fix this issue," he said.
Paya Terubong assemblyman Wong Hon Wai said the existing right turn from Paya Terubong to Lintang Angsana was permanently closed since July 1 as an abutment needed to be built for the highway.
"The progress of the highway construction is now at about 85%.
"A U-turn has been provided at the cross junction to enable light vehicles to turn into Bandar Baru Air Itam from Paya Terubong since Aug 19.
"The alternative suggestion for another U-turn is not possible as there are safety concerns.
"I have visited the Medan Angsana food court area and coffee shops there.
"I found that there are still long queues in a few popular food stalls," he said.
He said the population of Bandar Baru Air Itam was big and people still patronised the local coffee shops.
"In recent years, many new hawkers have opened there, with a few dozens of food and beverage outlets at the neighbouring mall.
"This may have caused competition among food stalls there," he said.
