KUALA LUMPUR: City roads, especially in the Golden Triangle area, recorded a higher number of vehicles on the first day of the Movement Control Order 2.0, compared with the first MCO.
Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigations and Enforcement Department chief Assistant Commissioner Zulkifli Yahya said although traffic was clear on most roads, there was a significant increase in the number of vehicles yesterday.
“There is an estimated 30 per cent increase in vehicles today (yesterday) in the city.
“However, motorists’ compliance rate with the standard operating procedures (SOP) improved this time around.”
Zulkifli said four teams from the city traffic police headquarters had been assigned to conduct roadblocks.
“Although motorists can move about for essential purposes, police remind them to adhere to the SOP and travel only when it is necessary.
“Limit outdoor activities that involve contact and do not misuse the permission given.”
In Petaling Jaya, district police chief Assistant Commissioner Nik Ezanee Nik Faisal said police had deployed 300 policemen to set up four roadblocks and close five roads.
“The road closures are in Jalan Gasing 5/26, Jalan Mahogany, Jalan Jati and the road from Kota Damansara to Sungai Buloh.
“PJ residents can expect at least another four roadblocks and a few more road closures in the coming days.”
Nik Ezanee said police had received complaints from residents affected by the closures, but he said this was necessary as the spike in Covid-19 cases in some parts of the district was at a critical level.
A motorist, who wanted to be known only as Wahyu, 28, said the traffic was unusually busy on the first day of the enforcement.
He said employers should not allow workers to go to the office if they were not from the essential service sector.
“They (motorists) probably obtained a permission letter from their employers to move around.
“They should work from home as it is not safe to go out.”
Another road user, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said there were a lot of vehicles yesterday, especially heading for Kuala Lumpur.
He said he was required to go to the office as he worked in the essential services sector.
Shopping malls in the Klang Valley saw fewer shoppers.
Checks at Sunway Pyramid, 1 Utama Shopping Centre and Mid Valley Megamall saw only essential shops — such as pharmacies, telecommunication service providers, hypermarkets, jewellery shops and restaurants — open.
Food delivery service riders and some shoppers were seen ordering and taking away food.
Security at these malls was tight to ensure patrons followed the SOP.- NST