Residents urge installation of traffic lights at high-risk jalan slim junction

TANJONG MALIM: Residents near Perumahan Awam 3, Jalan Slim Lama here, are calling for urgent action to install traffic lights at a junction linking the Behrang Stesen-Tanjung Malim Highway (FT193) and Jalan Slim-Behrang Ulu (A121), where they claim frequent crashes, including fatal cases, have occurred.

They described the junction as a high-risk spot for road users, particularly motorcyclists, due to vehicles moving from various directions and heavy vehicles using the route.

Yameeun Marsudi, 75, who has lived in the area since 1996, said traffic lights were urgently needed to regulate traffic flow and reduce the risk of collisions between vehicles.

He said motorists travelling from Tanjong Malim who wished to enter Perumahan Awam 3 had to make a U-turn at the junction, exposing them to the risk of accidents if traffic movement was not properly controlled.

"Every time road users want to head towards Jalan Slim or make a U-turn to enter Perumahan Awam 3, navigating this junction feels like risking their lives.

"We are not asking for luxurious facilities, just a safe junction for all road users," he told Bernama when met here recently.

Meanwhile, Mohd Nizam Abdul Wahid, 44, who has lived in the area for the past 10 years, said he had frequently witnessed accidents at the junction, including several fatal incidents.

He said that about two months ago, his nephew was hit by a car coming from Tanjung Malim, which was turning into Jalan Slim, while returning home from work on a motorcycle.

"We do not want anyone else to suffer the same fate and hope traffic lights can be installed immediately," he said.

Another resident, Chong Hwee Tack, 50, who has lived in the area for 20 years, said the movement of heavy vehicles such as buses and lorries travelling downhill from Behrang Stesen was also a cause for concern.

He said these vehicles were often driven at high speeds when approaching the junction, making it difficult for other road users to enter or turn safely.

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"Do not wait until another fatal accident occurs before taking action. We hope the residents' request will be given serious attention, as road safety and human lives must not be taken lightly," he said.

Meanwhile, Tanjong Malim Member of Parliament Chang Lih Kang, when contacted, said applications for traffic lights, road widening and improvements to road furniture in the area had been submitted to the Perak Public Works Department in the middle of last year.

"However, to date, the funding applications for all three improvements have yet to be approved," he said.

Chang said he had also met Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi to discuss the funding requirements and immediate measures needed to improve road safety at the junction.

He stressed that road safety must not be taken lightly and appropriate action should be taken without waiting for more accidents to occur. — BERNAMA