Crossing Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad in Brickfields can be risky for pedestrians, especially children. — Filepic
Residents upset requests for more preventive measures rejected
KUALA LUMPUR residents are urging the government to instal more speed breakers rather than just lowering the speed limit at school zones.
They say lowering speed limits from 40kph to 30kph alone won’t deter motorists from speeding.
Brickfields Rukun Tetangga chairman SKK Naidu commended the government’s decision but expressed doubts about its effectiveness.
“Speed limit signs are ineffective in busy areas like Brickfields,” he said.
Naidu said Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad, which was less than 1km long with three lanes, had 13 education facilities including primary and secondary schools, kindergartens and a training centre for the disabled.
“Despite the 30kph speed limit and six speed bumps, motorists continue to speed, run red lights, and endanger pedestrians and residents.
“There have been several accidents and numerous near misses, especially at the junction between Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad and Jalan Rozario.”
Naidu said they had requested Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to put in more speed bumps particularly near the Sentral Suites condominium, but the requests were rejected due to their existing numbers.
“We requested four additional speed bumps: one just before the pedestrian traffic light beside SMK Vivekananda, another before the school’s entrance, one at the Jalan Rozario junction, and another just before Jalan Berhala,” he said.
On July 15, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that the speed limit at school zones would soon be lowered to 30kph from 40kph to reduce accidents and create a safer environment for students.
Ahmad Zahid said on average, 67 people perished annually within school zones.
Sheila says she has been almost hit by speeding vehicles on numerous occasions.
He added that additional speed breakers would be installed in consultation with local councils and schools to ensure compliance with the new speed limit.
According to police statistics, 322 road accidents were reported in school zones nationwide last year.
Ahmad Zahid said international research showed that for every 1km speed reduction, the fatality rate declines by 4% to 5%, and a speed reduction of 5% could reduce fatal accidents by 30%.
A working committee will be formed to decide on the timing and specific road stretches where the new speed limit will be implemented, Ahmad Zahid said.
Brickfields resident Sheila S. said although her home was only a five minute walk from school, she prayed for the safety of herself and her 12-year-old son before setting out.
“Despite the short distance, our journey is dangerous due to speeding vehicles and motorists ignoring traffic signals at the Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad junction.“Other residents have also experienced numerous near misses even when crossing the pedestrian walkway in front of SMK Vivekananda.”
She recalled almost being hit countless times, even when the traffic lights turned red for motorists.
Another resident who only wanted to be identified as Devi takes her granddaughters to the same school.
She said near misses occurred at least three to four times a week and only improved when a traffic policeman was present.
Despite the 30kph speed limit on Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad – which is surrounded by residences, schools and places of worship – motorists continue to speed. Residents also highlighted the added danger from roadside hawkers blocking pedestrian walkways and contributing to congestion.
At Taman Bukit Indah and Seri Petaling, off Jalan Kelang Lama, residents said the inner roads needed both the reduced speed limit and speed breakers because motorists were often speeding.
“Every evening, I take my dogs for a walk and it is annoying to see people speed even within neighbourhoods, endangering others.
“ I have to be extra careful and vigilant,” said resident CS Tan.
