Truckers see red over 10-hour Bukit Lanjan-Shah Alam highway closure for charity run

PETALING JAYA, March 11 — The road closure along a 15km stretch of the New Klang Valley Expressway for the UEM Charity Run on Sunday has drawn the ire of lorry drivers claiming the closure will cause traffic congestion and delays to their journeys.

Johor Lorry Operators Association president Anthony Tan said the closure of a major highway was unheard off and uncalled for.

“The organisers should look into alternative venues. I doubt it is possible to close a 15km stretch of the NKVE without causing disruptions,” he said.

Tan said the closure would disrupt delivery schedules and the economic activity of businesses expecting deliveries by drivers who would have to take longer alternative routes.

“Imagine if you are waiting for an important delivery of spares or perishable goods,” Tan said.

“They might as well close the North South expressway while they are at it. This is just ridiculous.”

The road closure of the Bukit Lanjan-Shah Alam NKVE starts at midnight  tomorrow until 10am on Sunday.

The event is expected to draw thousands of participants.

Mohamad Puteh, who drives a 21-tonne trailer between Butterworth and Johor Baru, said the closure was unreasonable.

“I’m sure they could have chosen another venue. Why cut off a major road network many people, including lorry drivers and the public, depend on?”

Hisham Noordin, 43, a lorry driver who travels between Sungai Buloh and Ipoh five times a week, said the closure would add distance to his trips.

“The alternative routes will add 10 or more kilometres and it is during a school holiday. I don't mind them doing this for charity but they should pick a better place and time,” he said.

Hisham said the NKVE stretch to be closed was new and well-built, adding that the alternative roads were not as suitable for heavy vehicles.

“Heavy freight vehicles are going to cause more potholes on the Sprint and Guthrie expressways,” he said.

“Also, with the closure, families leaving for school holidays will be caught in the jam with heavy vehicles, making the congestion worse.”

Loh Eng Wan, 44, who travels between Penang and Shah Alam, said the closure would be a problem not only for drivers but people living in the surrounding areas.

Ng Wee Siong, 38, who delivers spare parts for power tools, said the organisers should have chosen a stadium or some other venue.

Tan Cheng How, 36, a salesman, said: “No matter how they say it has been planned, road closure is going to be disruptive. Remember the time when KL was affected by the Grand Prix?

“This will be just as bad for those travelling for school holidays and lorry drivers trying to deliver goods,” he said.

Shamsul Mansor, 37, a consultant, said the concessionaire was failing to ensure smooth traffic flow.

“Road users count on them to maintain good traffic flow,” he said.