Community activist Yee Poh Ping (right) and Jinjang Selatan resident Ng Ah Choy suggest that DBKL consider implementing a contraflow system from Jalan Kuching to Jalan Sultan Ismail to deal with traffic congestion in Kuala Lumpur.
KEPONG community activist Yee Poh Ping has proposed that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) implement a contraflow along Jalan Kuching and Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah (Jalan Ipoh) to deal with peak hour traffic.
Yee said he had appealed to the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) for the construction of an elevated highway in 2019.
However, LLM replied that the area was under DBKL’s purview.
“I have two suggestions on easing traffic congestion on Jalan Kuching and Jalan Ipoh.
“A long-term solution is to build an elevated toll-free highway from the Batu Caves roundabout to Jalan Sultan Ismail in the city.
Traffic jam on Jalan Kuching heading towards Kuala Lumpur (right side) is a stark contrast to the fewer number of vehicles heading in the opposite direction during morning peak hours.
“The contraflow is a short-term solution,” he said.
Yee suggested that DBKL study the possibility of introducing the contraflow from 6am to 9pm and 4pm to 7pm on weekdays from the Batu Caves roundabout to Jalan Sultan Ismail.
“The contraflow should start from Jalan Ipoh near the Batu Caves roundabout, passing through the Kepong and Segambut roundabouts before exiting at the Jalan Sultan Ismail junction,” he said, estimating that this would involve a 10km stretch.
Yee said heavy traffic was a norm during the morning and evening rush hours, adding that the situation would worsen when more housing projects were built.
“If the authorities can implement a contraflow system from the Batu 9 Toll Plaza in Cheras until Jalan Loke Yew, I don’t see why it cannot be done here.”
Yee said he had seen DBKL workers placing cones along Jalan Loke Yew for the Cheras contraflow from as early as 3.30am to divert traffic.
He cited the three contraflow systems announced by Transport Minister Anthony Loke that started on July 3 in parts of Kuala Lumpur.
The affected stretches are from the Sungai Besi Toll Plaza to the Besraya Highway interchange, from Jalan Maharajalela to Jalan Cheras and a dedicated bus lane along Jalan Ampang.
DBKL has yet to comment at press time.
