PETALING JAYA, Oct 14 — The Petaling Jaya City Council must be more proactive in addressing problems faced by the public following the implementation of the new one-way road system in the city.

Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran said while traffic congestion was expected whenever a new traffic system was introduced, it was important for the local authority to address problems fast.

“I was on the streets on Sunday when the new system was introduced. But mayor Datin Paduka Alinah Ahmad and her top officers were no where to be seen,” he said.

“Alinah was the one who pushed for the implementation of the new road system despite us (assemblymen) telling her to postpone the trial period.

“In the middle of a mess, the mayor was no where to be found. There were insufficient rectifying measures taken by her as more signages could have been erected yesterday if she had given out the orders.”

Despite the shortcomings, Rajiv was confident traffic flow would improve after one week.

“After a week of this exercise, things will be different but the council must be proactive by erecting signages,” he said.

Rajiv, who was met at a site visit in Jalan Barat, said the traffic congestion on Sunday was also because of the Nutrilite Colour Fun Run, which he claimed was held illegally.

“I understand the event organisers had only applied for a permit from the council to hold a family day event at Padang Astaka but no permits were applied for the run,” he said.

“The run together with the new one-way road system caused mayhem in the city.”

Attempts by Malay Mail to get in touch with Alinah yesterday proved futile.

Deputy mayor Puasa Md Taib said the council met on Sunday night to discuss the outcome of the first day of the new road system and several changes had been made.

“The council decided to proceed with the one-way loop system but further amendments need to be made in two areas.

“We decided to revert traffic flow in Jalan Selangor to a two way system and further studies are being carried out to decide if Persiaran Barat should be converted into a one way road.

Puasa said 75 enforcement officers and 30 traffic policemen from the Petaling Jaya Traffic Department will monitor traffic flow in the affected areas.

He also said 20 more signages had been erected by the council in several areas yesterday.

“We will monitor traffic on a daily basis and will also conduct meetings every night to discuss on weaknesses which needs to be addressed.

Puasa said the organisers of the Nutrilite Colour Fun Run did not apply for a permit to organise the run and the council had only allowed them to rent Padang Astaka for a family day event.

“The event had ruined our preparation for the one-way loop system,” he said.

“I have ordered the council to impose the maximum penalty on the event organisers for the mess.”