Wake-up call to ban al fresco dining on roadsides

THE incident of the motorcyclist crashing into tables and chairs placed outside a restaurant in Persiaran Raja Muda Musa, Port Klang on Jan 2 should be a wake-up call for local councils to ban al fresco dining on roadsides or parking lots.

It was fortunate that no diners were present at that time.

There have been similar incidents in the past of diners, who were having their meals on the roadside or parking lot, being struck by vehicles, sustaining severe injuries or being killed.

For example, in November 2018, a woman was killed and four others injured when a four-wheel drive vehicle skidded and ploughed into the al fresco section of a restaurant in Taman Equine, Serdang where they were having their meal.

It was reported that the driver also crashed into three other vehicles before fleeing the scene.

In May 2003, a woman and eight others were injured when a car rammed into them as they were having dinner outside a 24-hour restaurant in Jalan Semangat, Petaling Jaya. The woman died a few hours later.

In Subang Jaya, there are many restaurants with tables and chairs laid out on walkways and parking lots. Families, including children, are risking their lives when they dine at the parking lots in front of the shops in SS14/1. I have observed that some parents do not seem particularly concerned about the safety of their children.

The local authorities should not wait for another diner to be mowed down before taking action. As the old adage says, “It is better to be safe than sorry.”

WILLIAM DENNIS

Subang Jaya