A DANGEROUS GAP
A 10-METRE gap in a steel barrier separating the busy lanes of Jalan Beserah in Kuantan is a cause for concern. It has been two years since the barrier was damaged in an accident.
Employees of nearby shops are worried as students of SMK St Thomas use the gap to dash from the school to the shops on the other side, while trying to avoid fast-moving traffic.
Some students cross the busy road to get to their homes located behind the shoplots.
Veonice Lim, an employee at a pharmacy nearby, said it was common to see students darting across the road via the gap, although an overhead bridge was located a few metres away.
“Motorists often speed, posing a risk to students,” said the 23-year-old married woman, who lives near the school.
Shazrin Mohd Ramly, 29, an accessories’ shop employee, said even adults used the gap to cross the road.
He said some flimsy ropes were tied to the railing as a makeshift barrier.
“The steel barrier was damaged two years ago in an accident,” he said, adding that the local authorities tied the ropes after the incident.
“Since then, they (local authorities) have neither checked nor repaired the barrier.”
Shazrin’s employer, who wanted to be known only as Teh, 57, said thieves carted off pieces of the steel barrier after the accident, further widening the gap.
ACTIONLINE:
A spokesman for the Kuantan Public Works Department said it had taken note of the concerns raised by shopkeepers in Jalan Beserah and would look into the matter.
“We will inform the officer in charge soon. ”