Drama unfolds as cops step in to block road

Thursday April 24, 2008

By GEETHA KRISHNAN

MORE drama unfolded at Bandar Mahkota Cheras yesterday when the Kajang police temporarily closed the controversial road offering toll-free access to the Cheras-Kajang Highway.

Several patrol cars were used to block the road under the flyover leading to the Cheras 11th Mile toll plaza from 8am to 9.50am. This led to a large group of angry residents gathering at the site to protest the move.

Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai, who arrived at the scene at 9am, called Kajang OCPD Asst Comm Shakaruddin Che Mood to seek an explanation.

“I have spoken to the OCPD and he said it was done to protect road users’ safety as the traffic lights at the junction have not been synchronised.

“The police fear accidents may occur,” Tan said.

He appealed to ACP Shakaruddin to allow residents to use the road for another day, pending the outcome of the survey to determine who has the right of way over the road at a meeting at Menara MPKj in Kajang at 3pm.

Police personnel later removed their vehicles to allow motorists to pass through.

Temporary measure: (From left) Seri Kembangan assemblyman Ean Yong Hian Wah, Tan, Serdang MP Teo Nie Chin, Hulu Langat MP Che Rosli Che Mat and PAS representative Mohd Sany Hamzan trying to calm the residents.

The access road built by Bandar Mahkota Cheras developer Narajaya Sdn Bhd was opened in September 2005 and closed soon after by highway concessionaire Grand Saga Sdn Bhd, who cited a loss of toll collection as the reason for the closure.

On Monday, residents defied an order from the Selangor government and opened the road.

The government had wanted a survey to be carried out with reports from the Hulu Langat Land Office, Kajang Municipal Council, Narajaya and Grand Saga.

At a press conference later, the surveyor said he needed a few more days to prepare the report and it would be ready soon.