RESIDENTS of Taman Bukit Mayang Emas in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, have voiced concerns over safety at the Jalan BM1/2 and Jalan BM1/4 junction, especially during peak hours.
They attribute the danger at the junction to double parking and motorists speeding through the area.
Resident Chong Koon Kit, 75, said accidents occurred regularly.
“Motorists turning into Jalan BM1/4 from Jalan BM1/2 often take the corner too fast,” he said.
“The latest accident was a month ago.
“Vehicles parked illegally at the junction also obstruct the view of motorists exiting Jalan BM1/2, increasing the risk of accidents,” Chong added.
Another resident, Tham Yew Kuin, 66, said motorists often sped when turning from Jalan Bukit Mayang Emas − the main road outside the neighbourhood − into Jalan BM1/4.
“The speeding vehicles pose a danger to pedestrians crossing at the junction.
“A speed hump should be built to make the area safer,” she said.
Kindergarten operator Caryn Kong, whose premises is on Jalan BM1/4, is worried for the children’s safety.
She said double parking was rampant during lunch hours.
“Some even park their vehicles in front of the kindergarten’s entrance, blocking access for other vehicles, especially for parents picking up their children.
“I placed a ‘no parking’ sign but motorists drove over it.
“Parking space here is insufficient as some bays are reserved by pharmacies and car workshops for their customers,” she said.
Another resident, who wished to be known only as Lum, said Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) had previously proposed building a traffic island at the junction to improve traffic flow and curb illegal parking.
“The proposal was made when MBPJ officers visited the junction more than a year ago, but it was rejected earlier this year without any explanation.
“The city council needs to come up with a solution that prioritises motorists, children and senior citizens’ safety.”
Taman Bukit Mayang Emas Residents Association chairman Steven Foo confirmed that MBPJ had turned down the proposal.
He urged MBPJ to step up enforcement against double-parking along Jalan BM1/2 and other parts of Jalan Bukit Mayang Emas.
MBPJ Zone 7 councillor John Leong Chee Cheng said the traffic island idea was rejected because it would not address the issue of speeding vehicles, although it would help curb illegal parking.
“A speed hump would be more effective, but residents must first submit a petition as part of the application process,” he said.
Leong said residents must identify the exact location of the proposed speed hump and obtain consent from the nearest homeowner as well as residents within a 100m radius on either side of the proposed site.
In a statement to StarMetro, MBPJ said 711 compounds were issued for traffic obstruction offences in the area from January last year to this month.
The city council said it would increase patrols and enforcement operations while considering the installation of closed-circuit television cameras to monitor traffic conditions.
