A business on Jalan Puchong has resorted to using the pedestrian walkway to place damaged and salvaged cars. — Photos: YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
For those living near 6th Mile Jalan Puchong, pavements on both sides of the road have been overtaken by damaged and abandoned vehicles.
Damaged cars, rusting car parts, salvaged chassis and other auto parts near Sutera Maya Condominium and Bloomsvale Shopping Gallery are preventing pedestrians from using the footpath, putting their safety at risk.
A car parts trader operates nearby on the Kuala Lumpur side of 6th Mile Jalan Puchong, which also borders Selangor.
Its licence is issued by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
“What should be a shared public space has become an unofficial junkyard instead, because it looks like the nearby car parts trader’s operations has spilled onto the pavements,” said Sutera Maya Joint Management Body (JMB) chairman Anthony Chan.
“It is frustrating. We have residents who would like to walk to Bloomsvale or get groceries, but their path is obstructed by the cars,” he said.
“Some of these vehicles have been here for years.
“At times, there are even metal bars and tools lying around, posing a serious hazard to pedestrians,” added Chan.
Sutera Maya resident Alvin T. Ariaratnam said he had spoken with the business owner to remove the obstructions.
“He seemed agreeable and acknowledged the danger.
Alvin says he spoke with the business owner and lodged a complaint with authorities.
“But until today, nothing has changed,” said Alvin.
He added that he had lodged a complaint with DBKL and sent several letters, but had yet to receive a response.
Regular commuter Daniel Charles, who frequently travels along Jalan Puchong, said he had also noticed the abandoned cars.
“It is disturbing to see those old cars left on a public walkway.
“It is common to see rusted wrecks in residential areas, but to leave them openly like this is irresponsible.
“I have seen people walking on the main road whenever their way is blocked by a car on the pavement.
“I have also seen workers from the car parts trading business crossing the road to work on vehicles by the walkway and leaving behind tools on the ground, which is dangerous,” added Alvin.
When StarMetro visited the site, at least a dozen vehicles were seen occupying the pedestrian walkway.
Pedestrians have to walk on the road during their commute where parts of the footpath are taken up by vehicles left there by the workshop.
One vehicle, with a missing windshield, was partially covered with a weathered tarpaulin, while others were missing parts and had exposed metal which showed signs of rust.
Weeds had also surrounded some of the cars.
When contacted, DBKL confirmed that action had been taken following public complaints about vehicles obstructing the footpath along Jalan Puchong.
“Over 10 compound notices have been issued under Rule 44 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959 on vehicles obstructing pedestrian walkways.
“We have also urged the owners to remove their vehicles immediately to avoid further action,” said a DBKL enforcement department spokesperson.
Under Rule 44, vehicles are expressly prohibited from footpaths, and only non-motorised items like prams or toy vehicles for children are allowed to use footpaths, in order to keep pedestrian pathways clear and safe for public use.
Violators risk enforcement actions, including fines and compound notices from local authorities.
2025-04-09T16:00:00Z
Source: TheStar