BY WONG PEK MEI

Traffic at Melawati Mall is heavy, especially in the evenings.

Taman Melawati Zon ABC residents are concerned that changes to an access road from Jalan Lingkaran Tengah 2 (MRR2) to Melawati Mall is dangerous and will add to traffic congestion.

The residents association chairman Razman Hakimi Abdullah said the turn-off from the highway was hazardous as vehicles would be travelling downhill.

“There will be a backlog of cars turning into the access road and oncoming cars from the highway will be travelling too fast to brake in time,” he said when contacted after a meeting with the Public Works Department (JKR).

Razman said there would be traffic congestion once the mall opens, especially with the coming Ramadan bazaar located behind the mall.

“The access road allowed motorists to turn right and avoid the mall but now, it leads to Jalan Bandar 12 which passes by the mall.

“Residents use this route as a shortcut to go back home because Jalan Taman Melawati is usually heavily congested, especially during peak hours, as there are three schools situated along this main road,” he said.

The schools are SK Taman Melawati, SMK Taman Melawati and SJK (T) Taman Melawati.

Razman said a pasar malam operating behind the mall every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday would add to traffic congestion in the evenings.

He questioned whether a traffic study was done before the change in traffic flow caused by the mall’s construction.

“We understand jams are unavoidable but the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) did not engage us before the traffic flow was changed.

“We know JKR is doing their best but it is not up to them to make the decision as the access road is under the jurisdiction of MPAJ,” he noted, adding the local council was invited for the meeting with residents but it did not attend.

Razman urged all parties to review the traffic flow and come up with a better solution.

Sime Darby Property is jointly developing the mall with CapitaLand Mall Asia.

According to Melawati Mall’s website, the 13-storey shopping centre has about 620,000sq ft of lettable area, with more than 250 shops spread over eight levels of retail.

The mall is expected to open between mid-June and early July.

When contacted, MPAJ press relations officer Norhayati Ahmad said the local council would hold a discussion with JKR, developers and residents.

“The meeting will focus on the traffic situation and gather residents’ feedback,” she said.

Sime Darby Property managing director Datuk Jauhari Hamidi said a Traffic Impact Study was conducted and approved for the development.

“The traffic flow has been approved by MPAJ.

“We plan to hold an engagement session with residents.

“Rest assured, we will address their concerns and take action where appropriate,” he said in an e-mail reply.

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