ATREACHEROUS curved stretch of Jalan Tok Adis in Kuala Ibai, near the Green Acres Golf and Country Club, in Kuala Terengganu, is proving hazardous to motorists.
Since August, four cars have skidded and crashed into the guard rails.
Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, but the vehicles were considerably damaged.
Residents, including those from Taman Ibai Jaya and Taman Ibai Ria, have expressed concern as their houses are close by. They are worried about their families’ safety.
Yip Fong Lan said she and her neighbours were keeping an eye on their children, who had been told to stay away from the stretch.
“One of these days, something bad is going to happen if no drastic measures are taken,” she said.
Another resident, Ng Chai Hing, said they had asked the authorities, including the Public Works Department (PWD) and Kuala Terengganu City Council (MBKT), to install humps and warning signboards along the stretch to slow down traffic.
“So far, there has been no response from either agency, despite verbal and written appeals since the beginning of this year.
“I hope they carry out their duties responsibly as public servants for the benefit of the local community.
“We need proactive agencies that do not wait for some mishap to occur before taking action.
“Road safety is paramount in preventing accidents,” said Ng, who is also the Terengganu Lions Club president and state de facto DAP chief.
He said many a motorist tended to speed at the stretch, unaware of the sudden and sharp curve, which often caught them off guard.
The situation was made worse as none of the damaged guard rails had been repaired, he added.
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In response, MBKT’s engineering and public infrastructure director Zakaria Abdullah said the matter had been discussed with PWD as it was a technical issue.
“PWD is not agreeable to building a hump as there exists rubberised speed bars.
“They felt that a hump is not suitable for a trunk road.”
Nevertheless, he said alternative measures, like widening the yellow stripes on the road surface and improving hazard signs, would be instituted.
“We will also get PWD to assist in replacing the damaged guard rails,” he said.
