Traffic congestion on Lorong Sarawak next to the upcoming mall during a ‘pasar malam’ in Taman Melawati. Residents expect the situation to worsen once the mall opens.
TAMAN Melawati residents in Kuala Lumpur will have to endure traffic congestion a little longer as the authorities concerned are finalising a solution.
The traffic route from the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2) to Jalan Bandar 12, Taman Melawati was changed to accommodate an upcoming mall in the area.
Developer of the mall project Sime Darby Property in a statement said:
“Sime Darby Property is currently finalising the traffic flow proposal to address the traffic congestion concerns expressed by the Taman Melawati residents.
“We will present the proposal to MPAJ (Ampang Jaya Municipal Council) and with the guidance and approval of the local council, hope to provide a solution to the issue,” it said.
Taman Melawati Zon ABC Residents Association chairman Razman Hakimi Abdullah said Sime Darby Property and MPAJ were supposed to come up with a plan to ease traffic congestion by end of June.
“There was a meeting on May 24 with both parties and they should have responded with a solution.
“The traffic has worsened with the change, especially during pasar malam days every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
“It is taking residents up to an hour to get to their homes when it should take only 15 minutes,” he said.
StarMetro had on May 18 reported that previously, the access road from MRR2 allowed motorists to turn right, but now it leads to Jalan Bandar 12.
Residents said the route was a shortcut to go back home because Jalan Taman Melawati was usually heavily congested, especially during peak hours, as three schools are located along the main road.
MPAJ press relations officer Norhayati Ahmad said there would be a follow-up meeting with the developers later.
“This area is the commercial centre of Taman Melawati and is congested even during off-peak hours. But there are other roads for motorists to use to get to the housing areas,” she said.
She added that MPAJ met with residents and the developer on the issues raised and were now waiting for the latter’s response.
