ENOUGH is enough! This was the sentiment among Bandar Mahkota Cheras residents who turned up in full force on Sunday morning to stage another protest against the closure of the township’s toll-free access road.
The protest organised by Bandar Mahkota Cheras Residents Association was held at the main entrance to the township, near concrete barriers put up by Grand Saga Sdn Bhd, concessionaire for the Cheras-Kajang Highway.
Residents said the concessionaire closed the access road built by the developer soon after it was opened, to ensure they used another road that led them through Bandar Sungai Long to the Cheras 11th Mile toll plaza.
The large group of residents numbering almost 1,000 people also waited for the arrival of Hulu Langat MP Markiman Kobiran, who was invited to attend.
However, they were informed later that he could not be present due to a meeting with Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo.
Armed with placards and banners, the residents voiced their frustration with Grand Saga for keeping the access road meant for the township closed to avoid losing toll collection revenue. They added that traffic in Bandar Sungai Long was already badly congested.
Motorists who passed by the area also honked to show their support.
BMCRA chairman Ken Lee said the access road would shorten the journey for residents by at least 2km.
“We cannot be expected to use the Bandar Sungai Long road for long as half the road is out of bounds due to the recent landslide,” he said.
“We were also told that the Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA) has instructed the highway concessionaire and developer to resolve the matter, but why should residents be made to suffer if they cannot reach a consensus?” he asked.
Residents who also participated in the signature campaign urged Grand Saga not to forget its social responsibility to people in the area.
Bandar Sungai Long Residents Association secretary Jeff Tung said residents from 11 housing areas were using the main road in Bandar Sungai Long, but half of the road caved in after a downpour on May 2.
According to Lee, a memorandum on the matter has been presented to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi through Markiman.
“I received a letter from the Selangor state secretary’s office on June 30 stating that the MB will discuss the matter today.
“We hope the MB will take into consideration our plight as residents and take note that the access road was in the existing plan for the township before the highway was built,” he added.
Developer Nara Jaya Sdn Bhd and Grand Saga could not be reached for comments.
Meanwhile, the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) said it was awaiting MHA’s decision on the matter.
