In a bid to reduce traffic congestion in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle, authorities are said to be considering closing a key section of Jalan Bukit Bintang, the New Straits Times reports.
The consideration for the closure comes as heavy traffic, particularly during peak hours, continues to cause gridlock in the area, with the main thoroughfare – which stretches from Pavilion KL to Jalan Pudu – frequently clogged with vehicles.
According to KL police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa, discussions and further studies with stakeholders are underway to evaluate the feasibility of rerouting and restricting vehicles in the area. “By diverting traffic and closing this area to vehicles, we aim to create a pedestrian-friendly zone. With clear communication to the public and stakeholders, I believe this proposal is worth testing,” he told Buletin TV3.
The police also plan to increase the installation and use of AI-powered closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to monitor the area and enforce traffic laws remotely. Several causes of congestion in the area have been identified, including illegal parking, pedestrians crossing at unauthorised points and taxis/ride-hailing drivers stopping to pick up or drop off passengers. Street performances that attract large crowds were also a contributing factor.
At present, integrated traffic operations are being conducted weekly in Bukit Bintang, focusing on traffic violations and obstructive vehicles, with the most recent targeting intersections near Jalan Imbi and Jalan Sultan Ismail. Since December 13, over 1,500 summonses have been issued, and 36 vehicles have been towed, said the police.
“These weekly operations are starting to show results, particularly in Bukit Bintang. This is our third week, and we hope more people become aware of the need to follow traffic rules,” said KL traffic investigation and enforcement department (JSPT) head ACP Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa.
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should have start with illegal parkers 1st, especially the taxis waiting for the big fish to slaughter in front of the pavilion
Main reason is the illegal parking and the driver taking their sweet time to move their car.
Illegal parking are very serious happening. Left and right full park. Only left the center lane to move. Hardly see authorize taking action. Sometime saw police or DBKL but just standing there. Not sure what they waiting for.
Traffic making worst when many driver drive very slow. WALK is faster. I think this also due to the stress performance.
Pedestrians crossing can’t control. Most is tourism. Without them our country also problem.
Taxis/ride-hailing just do their job. Due to traffic jam, most of use will search for the taxi/car before they arrive to the pickup point. If all waiting at the pickup point and waiting for the car come, i think no issue.
All about moral……
i work in that area so im there almost daily , i can tell you 80% of the problem is those damn traffic lights that change color waaaay too soon considering the number of cars , also , jam definitely happens when police personnel direct traffic at the Times Square junction as they make priority one or two sides of the junctions and ignore the main traffic side, the Hang Tuah to Times Square junction….not smart on many levels
traffic dont just magically disappear when you close that area. They just get diverted elsewhere, and worse, these reroutes would mean less efficient routes and cause worse traffic jams elsewhere in the near vicinity.
Yeah, they get reroute to public transport, which is the goal of this proposal
so send the jam somewhere else, and make it twice as worse
More water went into their brain.
Agreed, have they carry out traffic impact assessment, TIA from different Independent Consuktant?
This is a key tourist spot, tourist need to access to transport for travelling in Malaysia too
I suggest they build a Transparent Slab Portal Frame Bridge with luxury light deco, over the main road as a Grand Lobby pickup for the pickup services at that zone. Which could be done at the Jalan Hang Jebat with 5 schools in a street too, damn congested near petaling street there.
tak kerja akibatlah jam… 80% kesesakan disebabkan oleh illegal parking… sepanjang jalan macam open car park… terutama corner dekat Damascus Bukit Bintang… tolonglah rajin kerja sikit hantar pasukan pergi ronda dekat area sana bukan je dapat selesaikan masalah trafik juga boleh beri keyakinan keselamatan dan imeg baik kepada rakyat dan pelawat… tow semua kenderaan confirm trafik lebih lancar sekurang-kurang 60%… yang patut tutup ialah jalan Alor dan changkat bukit bintang…. banyaknya tak betul-betul buat kerja pergi semak apa punca masalah sebenarnya… duduk kat opis dengar orang yang tak buat kerja jelas… akhirnya masalah akan timbul juga…
1. Stop allowing new buildings within golden triangle
2. Build car parks properly instead
3. Car free day during weekends
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