Residents hope polls will lead to end of traffic woes
TANAH RATA: The 10-minute journey from Tringkap to Brinchang here can take up to an hour during weekends and public holidays due to traffic congestion.
Tourists flock to attractions, including bazaars and shops, at the hill station resulting in motorists getting caught in traffic jams.
An average of 10,000 vehicles come to Cameron Highlands daily during holidays.
Plans, including widening stretches, had been laid out in the past but works were moving at a snail’s pace.
As the by-election looms, residents hope that the candidates would come up with a plan to tackle the traffic issue.
Lorry driver R. Manikam, 38, said there were times he had to sit behind the wheel for two hours to travel less than 5km.
“The roads are narrow and there is limited space to stop.
“The traffic problem is giving us a headache.
“It is serious. Policemen are deployed to control traffic during public holidays and weekends, but this is only a short term-solution.”
Kampung Melot Orang Asli head Ngeset Kembok, 65, said most of the Orang Asli villages did not have proper roads and clean water supply.
He said they relied on water from the rivers. Because of this, villagers, including children, were exposed to illnesses, including leptospirosis.
“There were cases of children falling ill after consuming river water.
“We hope that pipes will be installed so that we can have treated water supply.
“Poor road conditions are common in the villages. We pray for better roads. If not, our vehicles will get damaged,” he said, adding that he hoped the by-election would bring major changes to the Orang Asli.