Traffic woes in Ampang after Jalan Abdul Rahman Rashim closed

Persatuan Muafakat Lembah Jaya Utara Sulaiman Mohd Amin showing the development that took place near the road closure.

RESIDENTS in Ampang Jaya want an alternative road to access Taman Kosas and Bukit Indah in Ampang after Jalan Abdul Rahman Rashim was closed on March 18.

Due to the closure, motorists now use Jalan Kosas Utama, from Jalan Ampang to access both neighbourhoods.

North Jaya Valley Muafakat Association Sulaiman Mohd Amin said the road closure had caused traffic to increase along the main roads, causing congestion.

“During peak hours in the morning, cars would clog up the junction of Jalan Ampang and Jalan Kosas Utama.

“We are used to plying Jalan Abdul Rahman Rashim, and parents use it often to send their children to the six schools, including a religious schools, in the area,” he said, during a press conference held at Satay Station, Ampang.

According to Sulaiman, Jalan Abdul Rahman Rashim was closed due to a semi-detach housing development near the area.

There was also no public engagement on the closure, which took the residents living around the area by surprise.

“Recently, one of the motorists was involved in an accident near the junction.

“We sent letters to the developer highlighting our plight but have not received any response,” he said.

At the site, a bridge connecting Jalan Awf 3a and Lorong Abdul Rahman Rashim 4 seemed under construction.

Residents also requested the developer to open the bridge for public use.

Bus driver Che Mord Rais Zakaria, 46, said he could not send school pupils on time due to the road closure, which caused traffic to swell during morning peak hours.

“Sometimes, it's so bad on the road that it hinders me sending the pupils to school on time. Just recently, a lorry broke down on the road, and we were stuck in the jam for a long time,” he said.

It's also a headache for Lembah Jaya Selatan resident Hajah Hasnah Hassan, 59, who has to send her children to school every day.

“There's construction on the main road and the main road is narrow.

“It became even more dangerous when all the motorists uses the main road,” she said, adding that it would be better if the bridge could be opened for public use as soon as possible.- Star