LINK: https://www.hmetro.com.my/utama/2024/07/1111435/bahaya-simpang-maut
MACHANG: The "death junction" at Bukit Buloh remains a pressing issue, despite several years of concerns expressed by residents of Kampung Jenereh Bongkok.
The four quarries at Bukit Buloh along the Kota Bharu-Kuala Krai road have seen frequent accidents.
Surveys reveal that the route is always busy with vehicles, especially trucks transporting gravel, which frequently use this intersection to access nearby quarries.
Mukim Gading Galoh Development and Progress Committee chairman Muhd Sadiqi Zakaria, 35, acknowledged that accidents often occur because of the intersection's large size and the heavy vehicle traffic from nearby quarries.
"It is reported that there are five quarries in this area, and hundreds of trucks use this route during peak hours.
"About ten accidents have happened here, including fatal ones. Even my late grandfather was a victim of an accident in the 1990s," he stated.
He said in an accident two years ago, two teenagers riding motorcycles lost their lives at this intersection after being hit by a truck.
"I frequently receive complaints from residents and have forwarded these issues to the authorities for appropriate action," he added.
One of the residents, Sakinah Daud, 49, pointed out that the lack of adequate warning signs is one of the factors causing road users to be negligent while passing through the intersection.
"In my opinion, more warning signs and red markings should be added. This could help reduce the accident rate at this junction," she said.
Meanwhile, Noryana Mat, 54, a local food vendor, has been a witness to many accidents at the intersection, as her shop has been operating nearby for over 20 years.
She said motorcyclists often fall victim to accidents, having witnessed many incidents first hand due to speeding vehicles.
"This intersection can be confusing, especially for first-time users of the area. Even with road barriers in place, this location remains dangerous.
"I urge the authorities to come down and see for themselves how dangerous this route is," she added.