Authorities Are Considering Making Jalan Bukit Bintang A Pedestrian-Only Area
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said discussions regarding the restriction and redirection of traffic are currently underway.
By May Vin Ang — 30 Dec 2024, 12:25 PM
The authorities are considering closing a main stretch of Jalan Bukit Bintang to traffic to alleviate severe congestion in the area
According to Buletin TV3, the proposal comes as the police monitor the high volume of vehicles in the city, noting the gridlocks that occur during peak hours.
Whether day or night, it is found that the main route of Bukit Bintang — from the intersection of a popular shopping mall to Jalan Pudu — frequently experiences standstill traffic.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said discussions and further studies regarding the restriction and redirection of traffic in Bukit Bintang are currently underway
"We are considering redirecting and completely closing vehicle access to this area, turning it into a pedestrian zone.
"I believe if we implement this with clear communication to the public and relevant parties, this proposal can be considered. We can test it out first," he told Buletin TV3.
The police also plan to enhance the use of AI-powered CCTVs in the tourist hotspot to monitor the area and enforce laws remotely.
Rusdi said they have identified several causes of traffic congestion in Bukit Bintang, including vehicles stopping or parking indiscriminately and pedestrians crossing at non-designated areas, thus obstructing traffic.
Other contributing factors include taxi and e-hailing drivers stopping to pick up or drop off passengers and street performers attracting large crowds.
Currently, targeted operations focusing on traffic violations are being conducted in the area, involving the Kuala Lumpur Traffic Police, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), and the Road Transport Department (JPJ)
Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief ACP Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa said over 1,500 traffic summonses have been issued since 13 December, and 36 vehicles towed.
"This is our third week (of conducting the operations), and we hope more people become aware of the need to follow traffic rules," he said.
He added that the most common violations were obstructing traffic (129 summonses), disobeying traffic signals (34), and driving without a licence (22).
