Residents say the volume of incoming traffic into the narrow roads has been affecting their quality of life.
Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) has put up signboards informing motorists that the Jalan Intan 1-Jalan Pakis 2 stretch in Cheras is for residents’ use only.
The short stretch was a popular shortcut for motorists travelling from Jalan Medan Masria to Persiaran Awana.
Located in the housing areas of Taman Fern Grove and Taman Cheras Permata 2, the one-lane 450m stretch served as an alternative route for motorists heading to Taman Segar Perdana, Taman Cheras Awana and Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway.
Signage announcing the closure from Sept 4 were put up by MPKj along the main roads of Persiaran Awana, Jalan Medan Masria and at the junction of Jalan Intan 1.
The council took action following complaints from residents who said the high traffic volume into the narrow roads was affecting their quality of life.
Jalan Pakis 2 resident Safiah Yusof said it was difficult for her to cross the road in front of her house.
“At peak hours, there was bumper to bumper traffic.
“At such times, I can only hope for the other drivers to show courtesy by stopping and allowing me to pass. Unfortunately, not many will do so,” she said.
Jalan Intan 1 resident Ng Chai Heng estimated that at least 2,000 vehicles use the route as a shortcut on a daily basis.
“Even heavy vehicles such as oil tankers, excavators and cement trucks enter this residential area,” he said.
In May this year, Chai Heng, who was celebrating his son’s wedding, was threatened by a driver for blocking the road although he had applied for the necessary permits from MPKj.
His daughter sustained light injuries when she was run over by a motorcycle while standing in front of her gate.
“These outsiders have no regard for residents’ safety,” said another resident Angie Ng.
“There have been times when vehicles go into the path of oncoming traffic to avoid a parked car at the road shoulder.
“Once they narrowly missed my father and I while we were on our morning walk.”
Others who expressed safety concerns were So Chai Thiam and Tan Hang Seng.
So (left) and Ng showing the signboard on the road closure to outsiders.
So’s wife had an accident when her car was rammed while she was reversing out of her home.
So also fears for his grandchildren’s safety.
The traffic situation has also made it difficult for residents to have guests visiting and parking outside their homes.
Tan questioned if the added load from the volume of traffic would have any bearing on the retaining wall separating the Taman Fern Grove slope from Taman Cuepacs.
“I am worried soil may give way on this slope,” said Tan.
As an alternative, residents suggested motorists use Jalan Koop Cuepacs 3, a dual-lane road to get to Persiaran Awana.
When contacted, MPKj declined to comment.
