A stretch of Jalan Segambut in Kuala Lumpur has been turned into a high-risk zone by motorists making illegal U-turns just 250m from SJK(C) Khai Chee.
Driven by convenience, these motorists frequently cross painted double lines, sparking safety concerns among the local community.
Jalan Segambut serves as a main road through Segambut district, connecting residential areas like Jalan Ipoh, Mont Kiara, Taman Sinar, Taman SPPK Segambut and Kampung Segambut Dalam to the city centre.
A parent at the school, A. Mohd Amin, 45, said the risky manoeuvres significantly endanger other motorists and increases the likelihood of crashes during peak periods.
Mechanic Wong Chee Meng, 36, said the illegal turns created hazardous conditions on the heavily congested road.
“In the afternoons, the road is crowded with pedestrians who may be overlooked by drivers manoeuvring unlawfully,” said resident Margaret Cheng, 48.
Another resident Azman Aminuddin, 55, said the convenience of an illegal short-cut did not justify the danger posed to others.
“I hope the authorities will issue fines to those ignoring the ‘No U-turn’ sign.”
Community activist Yee Poh Ping said the inconsiderate behaviour of school transporters and parents not only affected the schoolchildren but all road users.
“U-turns are prohibited at that point due to the high traffic density and limited visibility.
“These actions can cause head-on collisions by disrupting oncoming traffic,” he said.
Yee added that near-misses and accidents occurred in the past, but they had failed to deter offenders.
“It is a dangerous crash point. There is an urgent need for Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to instal concrete barriers to physically prevent these turns.”
He said it was urgent that DBKL conduct an in-depth traffic study to improve traffic flow as some parts of the three-lane carriageway narrow to two lanes because of road reserve encroachments, such as a makeshift restaurant.
“It would be good if DBKL can rope in developers in the area to support the construction of a consistent three-lane carriageway to improve traffic flow for condominium residents there,” he said.
Yee urged parents to follow traffic laws, suggesting the presence of DBKL enforcement officers or traffic police during peak hours as deterrent.
Those caught violating the “No U-turn” sign can be fined maximum RM300 under the Road Transport Act 1987.
