Business operators are seeing red over the closure of the exit road from Jalan Zapin 3A and Jalan Zapin 2 into Jalan Meru with the construction of a concrete median.
BUSINESS operators along Jalan Zapin 3A in Taman Mutiara 3, Klang, want the Public Works Department (JKR) to reopen the exit road into Jalan Meru as the closure has been hurting business.
Most of the shoplots in the Taman Mutiara 3 commercial enclave are vacant, with some rows having only one operating shop.
Even the public food court has been abandoned and is in a dilapidated condition.
Wheel alignment and tyre service centre owner Tan Jun Hua, 23, said that since the third week of August, business dropped by 30% as the concrete median blocking the turn to the shops was keeping customers away.
“People do not want to drive an extra 500m to get to Jalan Zapin 3A,” he said.
Jun Hua said those exiting the business enclave were also forced to drive 500m from Jalan Zapin 2 to the T-junction of Jalan Zapin before turning left into Jalan Haji Sirat, and then going another 850m to gain access to Jalan Meru.
“Traders as well as customers, and even the postman, find it disruptive because we are denied the shorter route that we have been using to get to the main road outside Taman Mutiara,” he added.
Businessman Koh Jui Lian, who operates a surveillance and security equipment store, said the exit road to Jalan Meru had existed for a decade, ever since the shops were built.
“Closure of the exit road in July disrupted business. Motorists were allowed to enter Jalan Zapin 2 from Jalan Meru but were unable to make an immediate right-turn to the shops along Jalan Zapin 3A
“What was a simple turn is now a drive around two rows of shops via Jalan Zapin K that is situated at the back. It is absurd,” he said.
Tan Chee Weng, 62, and Lee Kian Chai, 70, said Public Works Deparment (JKR) officers had told shopowners that the closure was to prevent accidents.
But based on observations, they said drivers were careful even though Jalan Meru saw high traffic at peak hours.
“Both JKR and Klang Municipal Council did not hold consultations with business owners on the closure of the exit road.
“We believe the authorities did not consider the economic effects,” said Chee Weng.
According to a JKR spokesman, the exit road closure is the only safe option as new houses have been built along Jalan Zapin 2 and extra traffic is anticipated.
“Our technical staff will paint arrows on Jalan Zapin 2 and Jalan Haji Sirat to guide motorists exiting the business area. We hope to get the cooperation of all motorists to ensure smoother traffic flow,” he added.
