THE enforcement of restrictions on heavy vehicles weighing 5,000kg and above along part of Jalan Bukit Tambun and the entire stretch of Jalan Paboi during peak hours will resume on July 1.
The restricted section of Jalan Bukit Tambun is under 1km, while Jalan Paboi spans approximately 2.5km.
Under the regulation, heavy vehicles except those owned by the government, statutory bodies, and factory buses — are prohibited from using the affected roads daily, except on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, during the morning peak (6.30am to 8.30am) and evening peak (5pm to 7pm) hours.
Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik said the regulation was gazetted on March 29, 2021, and came into effect on March 31, 2021.
“The enforcement initially began on Feb 3 this year. During that period, the police and Road Transport Department (JPJ) issued summonses to heavy vehicle drivers who violated the restriction.
“However, we had to temporarily suspend the enforcement following objections from factory bus operators, as factory buses were originally not allowed to use the roads in question.
“Subsequently, the Public Works Department (JKR), Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), and other relevant agencies held a special meeting chaired by me on June 17,” Goh said during a site visit today.
Following the meeting, he said authorities decided to amend the restriction to exclude factory buses, allowing them to use the affected roads during the restricted hours.
“With this amendment, the postponed enforcement will now resume on July 1, strictly in accordance with the gazetted notice,” Goh announced.
Also present at the site visit were MBSP councillors Yeoh Kim Kim, Mohamad Aisamuddin Mohamad Kaman, and Lim Chee Chien.
Goh added that enforcement authorities will conduct regular patrols to ensure compliance.
“There are alternative routes available for heavy vehicles. Those coming from Bukit Minyak Industrial Park or Penang Science Park can exit via Juru Auto City or use the flyover after the Penang Bridge.
“Vehicles from Bandar Cassia or Valdor Industrial Area can use the Bandar Cassia Interchange.
“Meanwhile, heavy vehicles coming from Jalan Persekutuan can still access Bukit Minyak without entering the restricted area, especially now that Jalan Perusahaan Valdor is open.
“So, alternative routes are in place, there should be no more excuses,” he emphasised.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi