By Aida Aziz
SUNGAI SIPUT: Roadside guardrails that were damaged and lost following an accident along Jalan Besar Sungai Siput Utara near Kampung Bahagia here have not been replaced, causing many people to avoid using the pedestrian bridge provided.
This practice is not only dangerous but also poses a risk of accidents, especially to students from the nearby school, SK Sungai Siput.
A Sungai Siput resident, Rubiah Nordin, said the guardrails have not been replaced for more than three years.
She claimed that as a result, many parents take the opportunity not to use the pedestrian bridge when picking up and dropping off their children at the school across the road.
“This road is always busy with vehicles and lorries that sometimes travel at high speeds. It is dangerous if they do not use the pedestrian bridge.
“Especially for school students here—lives are more important. The authorities, whether the Kuala Kangsar Municipal Council (MPKK) or the Public Works Department (JKR), should replace the guardrails to prevent people from crossing the road at will.
“Don’t wait until someone loses their life or gets hit before taking action,” she told Ipoh Echo/Peraktastic.
Meanwhile, she also expressed disappointment over the poor condition of infrastructure such as the bus stops in the area, which have been neglected.
“The bus stops here are heavily used as many Sungai Siput residents rely on them, especially the elderly and school students.
“The authorities have not repaired the bus stops here at all, there are two locations. One has already lost its roof, while the other is in poor condition and needs repairs,” she said.
