Dato' Seri Utama Haji Aminuddin Harun Facbook picture.
SEREMBAN: The four-day Karnival Wanita Madani programme held in the heart of the city here beginning last Thursday which led to the partial closure of several roads was initially scheduled to be held at the Youth and Sport Complex (Kombes) in Paroi.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said he was aware that motorists and traders in the area were upset with the temporary closure which led to massive traffic jams but the authorities could not find a more suitable venue.
"The original plan was to hold the event at Kombes but this had to be changed as the complex was undergoing renovation.
"I know the partial closure of roads has caused some unhappiness among the public but I hope they will understand and give us some space as this was a state government programme," he told reporters when met after chairing the state exco meeting at Wisma Negri.
Aminuddin said such closures were rare and the authorities had also provided alternative traffic routes.
Dato' Seri Utama Haji Aminuddin Harun Facbook picture.
Netizens as well as traders in the area were upset with the temporary road closure, claiming they had no knowledge about it.
They said the state government should organise such events outside the city centre as road closures caused severe congestion and loss of business.
Several others questioned the partial closure of Jalan Yam Tuan where several major places of worship are located as this made it harder for them to get there.
State local government development, housing and transport committee chairman J. Arul Kumar was forced to intervene when social media was flooded with criticism of the road closure.
Some of the stretches were then reopened.
Aminuddin said some quarters would take every opportunity to criticise his administration.
"We had asked the police and the Seremban City Council to inform the people of the temporary road closure.
"I am not denying the fact that there may have been some weaknesses in relaying this to the people and we will improve on this," he said, adding that the issue would not be blown out of proportion.
Aminuddin said the state government has also allowed temporary road closures in the area during special occasions such as Deepavali to allow traders to set up stores.
