THE construction of an inclined elevator for visitors at the Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang is expected to start after Chinese New Year.
A multistorey car park is currently under construction at the foot of the hill.
It will have more than 100 parking lots.
In the future, visitors can use the car park and just take the elevator to the temple.
Air Itam assemblyman Wong Hon Wai said the elevator was expected to be completed in a year or two, while the car park would be completed by the middle of this year.
“The elevator and the car park will help ease traffic con- gestion in the area, especially during festive seasons,” Wong said at a press conference during his visit to the Air Itam market on Monday.
“The roads in the Kek Lok Si Temple area are too congested and small.
“I hope that with the inclined elevator and the car park, the congestion will be better managed.”
Wong said he had received complaints from residents in Jalan Pokok Ceri about cars parked in front of their houses.
“With the car park, things will improve,” he said.
Wong noted that the roads leading to Air Itam were less congested during Chinese New Year this year compared to the previous years.
He said this was thanks to the proactive measures taken by the state government.
“We have been trying to ensure smooth flow of traffic.
“The road widening projects in Lebuhraya Thean Teik and Jalan Masjid Negeri have helped with the traffic flow in Air Itam.
“In addition, a volunteer patrol unit is stationed at night at roads leading towards the Kek Lok Si Temple to assist police in controlling traffic.
“Also, under Ops Payung, Penang Municipal Council enforcement officers are stationed in the Pekan Air Itam area to ensure that the cars are parked in the designated places and do not obstruct traffic,” Wong said.
A total of 200 parking spots were created this year at Pekan Air Itam to improve the parking situation in the area.
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