TRAFFIC control measures will be enforced in Air Itam from Feb 13 to Feb 21 in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations and the expected increase in visitor flow to the area.
Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng said the operation aims to manage congestion at key locations, particularly around Kek Lok Si Temple and the Air Itam market.
“Air Itam is a major hotspot during festive periods, and traffic control is necessary to ensure smooth movement and public safety,” he said at a press conference at the Air Itam police station today.
Ng said traffic control will begin this Friday (Feb 13) in conjunction with the Kek Lok Si lighting ceremony in the evening.
“On Feb 13, traffic control will be enforced from 4pm to midnight due to the lighting ceremony,” he said.
He said from Feb 14 to Feb 16 (Saturday to Monday), traffic control will also be implemented.
“The enforcement will take place from 6am to 12pm to manage traffic around the market,” he said.
Ng added that from Feb 17 to Feb 21 (Tuesday to Saturday), traffic control will continue daily from 4pm to midnight.
“These dates cover the peak Chinese New Year period, including weekdays and weekends,” he said.
He said more than 30 traffic control personnel comprising officers from the police and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) will be deployed throughout the enforcement period.
Ng said five locations have been designated as Ops Payung operation points.
“These are in front of the Air Itam police station, in front of the Air Itam market, near the MBPP parking area along the road towards Kek Lok Si, and at the junction of Jalan Paya Terubong and Jalan Kampung Pisang,” he said.
He said vehicles travelling from Jalan Balik Pulau will not be allowed to make a U-turn towards the market area in front of the police station.
“This restriction is necessary to prevent bottlenecks at the market entrance,” he said.
Ng warned that strict enforcement will be taken against illegal parking, noting that summonses will be issued by the police and vehicles may be towed away by MBPP if they obstruct traffic.
He said Rapid Penang buses will be allowed to enter the market area throughout the operation period.
“Public transport services will continue as usual, and we encourage visitors to use buses to reduce congestion,” he said.
Ng urged road users to cooperate with enforcement officers and comply with traffic instructions during the operation period.
“Public cooperation is crucial to ensure traffic control measures are effective and conditions remain orderly,” he said.
Among those present were MBPP councillor Rohaizat Hamid, Air Itam Officer-in-Charge of the Station (OCS) ASP Karunaa, and Air Putih constituency coordinator Hong Kian Beng.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian