The noise barrier along MRR2 in Taman Midah at this stretch is incomplete, leaving only a row of trees separating the highway from houses. — Photos by LOW BOON TAT/The Star
TAMAN Midah residents in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, are urging the authorities to finish constructing a noise barrier between Jalan 17/105 and the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2).
Currently, the stretch of road reserve without the sound barrier only has a row of trees to separate the houses in the neighbourhood from the roaring traffic on the highway.
Resident WS Lee, 56, said houses had been built at both ends of Jalan 17/105 when the sound barrier was initially installed.
She said her house was a part of another housing project that was built later along Jalan 17/105.
“There is a large gap in the noise barrier as this area was previously vacant land.
“Currently, only a row of trees separates the houses from MRR2,” she added.
Last month, much to the dismay of residents, they noticed that some of the trees were cut down.
As such, the offensive sound levels from the traffic on the highway became worse for those living along the stretch without the noise barrier.
Cheong says the roar from the highway is unbearable.
Cecilia Cheong, in her 60s, said the roar from the highway was unbearable at times.
“We were shocked to see contractors cutting down the trees last month.
“We hope the authorities can look into installing a noise barrier here to help minimise the loud noises and block off foot access from the highway,” she said.
Pan Eu Joe, 29, said the noise created by vehicles using the MRR2 was too loud.
“Sometimes, the noise of heavy vehicles passing by can be heard in the middle of the night.
“There is a dire need for a noise barrier for residents’ well-being and health,” she said.
Pan says a noise barrier will reduce the sounds coming from the highway and improve security.
Pan also said that apart from blocking out the noise, the barrier would prevent non-residents from accessing the neighbourhood from the highway.
Meanwhile, a Works Ministry spokesperson said that when MRR2 was gazetted as federal road in 1998, there was no need for a noise barrier as the houses were not built at that time. “The construction of the noise barrier lies within the responsibility of the developer, if the local authority find that the noise level has exceeded permitted levels.
“This should be imposed as part of the condition by the local authority in the respective planning permission of the housing project,” the spokesperson added.
