KUALA LUMPUR: Authorities are considering closing a key section of Jalan Bukit Bintang to alleviate congestion in one of the capital's busiest areas, known as the Golden Triangle.
The proposal comes as heavy traffic, particularly during peak hours, continues to cause gridlock in the area. The main route, stretching from a popular shopping mall to Jalan Pudu, is frequently clogged with vehicles.
Day and night, Bukit Bintang remains a hotspot for visitors and tourists, drawn by its diverse range of food, accommodation, and entertainment options.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said discussions and further studies with stakeholders are underway to evaluate the feasibility of rerouting and restricting vehicles in the area.
"By diverting traffic and closing this area to vehicles, we aim to create a pedestrian-friendly zone. With clear communication to the public and stakeholders, I believe this proposal is worth testing," he told Buletin TV3.
The police also plan to enhance the installation and use of AI-powered Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in Bukit Bintang to monitor the area and enforce traffic laws remotely.
Rusdi said they have identified several causes of congestion in the area, including illegal parking, pedestrians crossing at unauthorised points, and taxis or e-hailing drivers stopping to pick up or drop off passengers. Street performances that attract large crowds were also noted as contributing factors.
The issue has also drawn attention from the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
"Traffic congestion in the Golden Triangle is a long-standing issue. We are leveraging technology to tackle it," she said in an interview with Buletin TV3.
"We have a dedicated control centre to monitor traffic in real time, using AI-powered CCTV cameras to better manage the flow."
She added that the government is expanding the GoKL bus service to encourage the use of public transport, which is expected to further ease traffic.
Integrated traffic operations are now being conducted weekly in Bukit Bintang, focusing on traffic violations and obstructive vehicles. Since Dec 13, over 1,500 summonses have been issued, and 36 vehicles have been towed.
In a recent operation involving the Kuala Lumpur Traffic Police, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), and Road Transport Department enforcement targeted intersections near Jalan Imbi and Jalan Sultan Ismail.
"These weekly operations are starting to show results, particularly in Bukit Bintang. This is our third week, and we hope more people become aware of the need to follow traffic rules," said Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) head ACP Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa.
The most common violations included obstructing traffic (129 summonses), ignoring traffic signals (34), and driving without a licence (22).