By: Zaki Salleh
Photo: Balqis Jazimah Zahari
IPOH: The condition of Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab here — especially the lack of a pedestrian crossing in the area leading to the Ipoh KTMB Station — has raised concerns among the public.
This situation is particularly worrying for those who need to cross the road to reach the station and the surrounding areas.
Although there is a pedestrian crossing with traffic lights in front of the Ipoh District Police Headquarters (IPD) and the Magistrate’s Court, located about 400 meters away, having another crossing directly in front of the KTMB Station and the Perak State Mosque would be far more convenient for users heading there.
The issue becomes more serious given that Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab is a busy road, especially during peak hours.
Unfortunately, the absence of a pedestrian crossing contributes to the risk of accidents, as most vehicles passing through the road are driven at high speeds.
A pedestrian, Yong Baizura Ahmad Kahar, shared that she was nearly hit by a speeding motorcycle in the area.
She was fortunate to avoid what could have been a life-threatening accident.
“It’s not just me; several other pedestrians have faced the same situation.
“Just look at the situation here — some people are crossing the road with luggage to get to the KTMB station. There are many foreign tourists too, but the responsible authorities act as if nothing is wrong.
“Maybe they think that even without a pedestrian crossing, people can still cross safely,” she said.
Although parts of the road surface use a ‘pavement lock’ method, which is supposed to help reduce vehicle speed, it appears ineffective as many drivers still speed.
The public is urging the authorities to take immediate action by providing a safe pedestrian crossing to reduce the risk of accidents.
This would also ensure the safety of road users, particularly pedestrians.
