GEORGETOWN: Road safety along Jalan Berapit needs immediate attention as the road is expected to face heavier traffic from major industrial developments in the area, said Heng Lee Lee (PH - Berapit).
Heng said there have been 104 accidents and seven deaths in the past 21 months along the stretch in Bukit Mertajam.
"From January to September this year (2026) alone there were 49 accidents, including four fatalities.
"The road is approximately 1km long, with a 556m accident blackspot.
"In 2025, there were 55 accidents along Jalan Berapit, including 52 cases involving injuries and three fatal cases.
"This means on average, one accident occurs every six days," she said while debating the state's 2027 budget during the State Legislative Assembly along Lebuh Light on Tuesday (Nov 3).
Heng said problems could worsen with the 71.2ha Northern TechValley @ BKE, which is expected to be fully completed by 2029.
She said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow mentioned a proposed 638ha Central Seberang Perai New Corridor in his Budget speech.
"The projects are believed to create more than 10,000 jobs in the area.
"I welcome more investments and job opportunities in Central Seberang Perai but are the existing roads ready to cope with the expected rise in traffic.
"The Northern TechValley is about 4km from Kampung Baru in Berapit and 12km from Alma in Machang Bubok.
"Bukit Mertajam, which comprises the Berapit, Padang Lalang and Machang Bubok constituencies, is one of the main residential areas near the industrial site.
"Motorists from all three constituencies would likely use Jalan Berapit to reach Northern TechValley," she said.
She said those travelling from the local mall in Machang Bubok would take Jalan Kulim, Jalan Kampung Besar and Jalan Berapit.
"Those heading over from Padang Lalang would use Jalan Sungai Rambai, Jalan Ciku and Jalan Berapit.
"While those from Kampung Baru in Berapit would also travel via Jalan Kulim and Jalan Kampung Besar before reaching Jalan Berapit.
"This makes Jalan Berapit one of the nearest and essential routes for Bukit Mertajam residents travelling to Northern TechValley," she said.
She said while the industrial park could be reached via the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE) from Butterworth and Seberang Jaya, many workers would come from Bukit Mertajam.
"Even if only 30% of Northern TechValley's 5,000 workers come from Bukit Mertajam, that would mean another 1,500 people travelling to the area.
"This does not include workers in food outlets, transport, logistics and other businesses," she said.
She said with the industrial park expected to be completed in 2029, the state must start planning now.
"I understand that road upgrades are not easy.
"Widening the road would require traffic studies, design work, land surveys, possible land acquisition, funding approval, tendering and construction.
"Which is why we need to start now as we only have a few more years until 2029," she said.
