A PROPOSED plan to convert one lane of Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), Kuala Lumpur, into legal parking bays has drawn concern from residents, who fear it will worsen traffic congestion.
The move by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is said to prevent motorists from parking illegally that reduced the three-lane road to two, according to TTDI Residents Association (RA) chairman Abu Hafiz Abu Huraira.
He said he was informed of the proposed plan via WhatsApp by a DBKL officer.
The issue stemmed from a newly built buffer island by DBKL along the road, at a raised pedestrian crossing, to prevent motorists from speeding.
The buffer island had flexible bollards and intermittent concrete kerbs.
“However, the buffer island narrowed the three-lane Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad to two lanes, and motorists have also parked illegally on the left.
“If that lane is now made into permanent parking bays, the congestion along Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad will worsen.
“There is also a bus stop just after the raised pedestrian crossing. If the lane becomes permanent parking spaces, where will buses stop?”
That request to remove the buffer island by the residents was originally highlighted to DBKL during a May 19 town hall session.
Beyond general traffic congestion, Abu Hafiz said they also mentioned risks to emergency services caused by narrowed access roads – an issue previously reported in StarMetro’s Feb 12 article, “Flak over two KL pedestrian projects.”
It was reported that DBKL expanded walkways and installed bollards at key intersections, including Jalan Wan Kadir 1-Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad and Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad-Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 1.
“Vehicles parked in front of shops along Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad reportedly made it difficult for fire engines to turn into the road from Jalan Wan Kadir 1.
“However, the junction’s width could easily be restored by adjusting the position of the flexible bollards and kerbs,” he said.
While acknowledging TTDI’s ongoing parking shortage, Abu Hafiz suggested converting the existing open-air carpark beside Pasar Besar TTDI into a multi-storey facility.
“This alternative was proposed to DBKL during the same town hall and officials indicated they would look into the idea.”
TTDI RA secretary-general Shaik Zafrul Shaik Abdul Shukkor expressed disappointment with DBKL’s direction on the matter, should it go ahead.
“We have offered DBKL numerous constructive ideas during the town hall, which they promised to evaluate.
“The safety of residents and all road users, especially during emergencies, must be prioritised,” he said.
As of press time, DBKL has not responded to queries regarding the issue.
