Fearing severe gridlock, Taman Rakan residents in Kajang, Selangor, are urging local authorities to construct new access routes before a proposed high-rise development is completed.
More than 5,000 households across seven residential areas currently rely on narrow Jalan Suria 2 to reach Jalan Rakan Cheras and head towards Jalan Sungai Long.
Taman Suria resident Doreen Owee expressed concern over a proposed 11-storey, 184-unit apartment project on Jalan Suria 2 exacerbating existing traffic congestion.
She pointed out that Jalan Suria 2 was a residential road measuring only 4.57m wide.
Owee added that based on Kajang Municipal Council’s (MPKj) masterplan, the wider, adjacent Jalan Suria 1 was meant to be extended to provide access to SK Taman Rakan, but work had not been carried out so far.
Residents met with Kajang assemblyman David Cheong on Oct 3 to voice their concerns.
Resident Chong Chean Yin proposed building a bridge between Jalan Idaman 2 and Jalan Rakan 2 as an alternative route.
“For those heading to Jalan Sungai Long, the bridge can provide them direct access through Jalan Rakan 2, avoiding Jalan Suria 2 and Jalan Rakan Cheras.
“For those going to Jalan Cheras, they can be connected by the route going through Jalan Rakan 2, Jalan Cuepacs 5, Jalan Cuepacs 3 and Persiaran Cuepacs,” said Chong.
When contacted, Cheong said he would liaise with the relevant authorities to explore the bridge idea.
He urged MPKj to establish a comprehensive traffic masterplan for the area to divert vehicles from new developments and ensure adequate access routes.
“At the moment, I cannot really see much effort being made on this.
“I will write to the relevant authorities to request a proper review of the area,” he added.
Meanwhile, in Taman Cheras Idaman 2, residents are worried about a proposal to link Jalan Idaman and Jalan Idaman 21 with Jalan 10, a small road behind the residential area, to provide access to an ongoing apartment project there.
Resident Datuk Seri Simon Liew said the developer proposed opening Jalan Idaman and Jalan Idaman 21, which were currently gated and guarded.
He said opening the roads would compromise the security of some 170 units in Taman Cheras Idaman 2, while placing more strain on the surrounding road network.
“If the roads are opened, cars heading to the apartments may also use roads around Taman Suria such as Jalan Rakan Cheras and Jalan Idaman.
“This will further worsen the traffic congestion there,” he said.
On these concerns, Cheong said the developer should construct a dedicated access road if there was a road reserve.
“Jalan Idaman 21 should not be used as an access route, as it is part of a gated-and-guarded community,” he said.
