Heavy vehicles banned from KL city centre at peak hours

The federal territories ministry through the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has banned heavy vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonnes from entering the city centre with immediate effect.

Deputy minister Jalaluddin Alias said the enforcement measure was decided today by a special committee looking into solutions regarding the methods and actions to disperse traffic congestion in the capital city.

He said any heavy vehicle found entering the capital at peak hours would be subject to action under Section 79 of The Road Transport Act 1987 by the police and the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

“Those who violate this ban will be subject to mandatory compounds and we will take a tough stance by not considering any appeals they might submit,” he said at a press conference also attended by KL Mayor Mahadi Che Ngah after chairing the first meeting of the special committee today.

Congestion in the city has also been attributed to a 45% increase in the number of vehicles after the easing of the movement control order since August last year, with 46.76 million recorded in December 2021 compared to 26.51 million in December 2019.

The committee has also decided to ban vehicles from parking on the curb during peak hours and will be phasing out parking spots at major roads in stages.

“We also are banning traders from conducting business on pavements during peak hours and will phase out trading spots in stages on pavements of major roads,” Jalaluddin added.