IPOH, March 15 — A glitch in signage has led to motorists missing the exit into the city from the North-South Expressway and having to drive another 35km to the Kuala Kangsar interchange before making a U-turn to their destination.
It has also meant another 40 minutes on the road, more petrol used and an extra RM7 in tolls — all because they thought there would be another exit into Ipoh.
This is because those on the right lane which will take them to Kuala Kangsar and other towns in the north will not be able to cut into the left lane due to a concrete divider.
Adding to the confusion is a signboard well before the exit to the city that states “Ipoh Selatan'', giving the impression that there is a second exit ahead.
The problem has been especially taxing to those unfamiliar with the highway or in an emergency and need to drive into Ipoh fast.
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, who has taken a personal interest in the matter, has raised the matter with the Works Ministry and Plus Malaysia Bhd but to no avail.
“What they should have done is to erect proper signboards that clearly show the exit to Ipoh from afar,” he said in a recent interview with Malay Mail.
Zambry said “unclear” signboards not only inconvenienced motorists but also confused locals and foreigners who wanted to visit the city known for its food and tourist destinations.
“We have raised this matter several times with the authorities but are yet to see anything moving,” he said.
He was aware of numerous complaints lodged with the state government over the poor signage.
Zambry said what was needed was another exit to Ipoh before the Jelapang-Ipoh South exit.
“That will save some the unnecessary hassle they are facing now,” he said.
He said he had also made an alternative request for more toll booths at the Ipoh exit to accommodate the thousands of motorists coming to the town over the weekends.
He said growing development in the area had also seen more motorists coming here.
Meanwhile, Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the Economic Planning Unit in the Prime Minister's Department had rejected a proposal to improve signage and build a new exit.
“We truly support the proposal as we see the need for it. That is why we have repeatedly asked for an allocation for the purpose,” he said, adding that the project was estimated to cost RM70 million.
