IPOH: The improvements to the one-way traffic system in Pekan Tapah, Batang Padang, are expected to be completed by April 30, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Perak Mentri Besar said the project, funded by a RM2.2mil allocation from the Federal Government, will begin on April 7 and is scheduled for completion by the end of the month.
"The state government has taken note that since the implementation of this system, various opinions have been expressed by the public with some in support, some voicing concerns, and others suggesting improvements.
"However, it is important to emphasise that these efforts are not intended to inconvenience the people. Instead, they are based on comprehensive studies as part of a long-term plan to enhance the comfort and well-being of the residents, particularly in Tapah, for the years to come," he said at his office Friday (March 28).
"The reality is that there is an urgent need to reduce traffic congestion in Tapah, which has persisted for a long time, especially during festive seasons, school holidays, weekends, and peak hours.
"As a responsible government, we cannot allow this issue to continue without a concrete solution. Development requires sacrifices, and we must have the courage to make changes for the greater good," he said.
He added that as a result of continuous engagement sessions, including discussions with the Works Ministry and relevant departments and agencies, the government has decided to implement phased improvements.
"The works will involve converting the temporary one-way system into a permanent route, which includes resurfacing roads, constructing road dividers, installing signage, and repainting road markings.
"Additionally, improvements will be made to the access road leading to the mosque via Tapah Road, along with upgrades at the intersection near SK Satu," he added.
Saarani acknowledged the potential traffic congestion expected during Hari Raya Aidilfitri and the Ayer Kuning state by-election from April 12 to 26.
"To address this, the state government will fully mobilise enforcement and safety agencies to ensure smooth traffic flow and facilitate movement for the public," he said.
Meanwhile, he added that the roadside hawkers affected by the implementation of the one-way traffic system in Tapah would be relocated to a proposed site in front of the Tapah district police headquarters (IPD Tapah).
"The land belongs to the government and is currently used to store accident vehicles by the police, which is an eyesore.
"I have discussed with the police and they have agreed for the state government to allocate another location for storing accident vehicles," he said.
The new site for the hawkers, he added, is more spacious, strategically located, and has ample parking, ensuring a better trading environment.
On Aug 23 last year, the Batang Padang Public Works Department implemented a one-way traffic system along Federal Road FT 001 (Section 539-540) and Jalan Majlis in Tapah.
During the trial period, two traffic lights in Tapah were deactivated to improve traffic flow.
However, the 1.5km route change was alleged to have disrupted businesses for petty traders and hawkers operating along the affected roads.
The issue also caught the attention of the late Ayer Kuning assemblyman Ishsam Shahruddin, who had actively advocated for the affected hawkers through dialogue sessions between their association and relevant stakeholders.
