Thursday, October 09, 2003

KL transport information hub to be ready next year

By YIP YOKE TENG


THE Transport Management Centre, the hub of Kuala Lumpur’s Integrated Transport Information System (ITIS), under construction now, is expected to be ready by end of next year.

The centre sited in Technology Park Malaysia will link the system’s two main components – the Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) and the Advanced Traveller Information System (ATIS), which regulate the traffic condition around the Klang Valley.

These systems comprise cameras installed along major roads and highways in the city that transmit real-time traffic data to the centre. The centre will receive, analyse and evaluate the data before disseminating information to road users on which routes to take or avoid.

Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Mohmad Shaid Mohd Taufek was at its groundbreaking ceremony on Monday. Also present were ITS Konsortium Sdn Bhd’s chief executive officer Sheikh Yahya Sheikh Mohamed and City Hall’s Urban Transportation Department director Mahfix Omar.

“This system has multi-functions. It can control traffic flow around the city by helping motorists choose the roads to take, it can also study drivers’ behaviour in order to formulate new traffic strategies,” said Mohmad Shaid.

He said the police had enquired on the possibilities of using the system to assist in nabbing criminals on the run.

“We are open to their application. Criminals can be traced by replaying the footage recorded by the cameras in this system; we will be able to find them as long as they are on the road,” he said.

He added that City Hall would not mind sharing the concept with other local councils and government agencies, but they might not be able to share the same commitments because others parties require the consent of the different authorities they belonged to.

According to him, the four-level building costs RM20mil while the entire system is RM400mil. Its operational cost is estimated to be RM20mil a year.

“There will be 140 Variable Message Sign (VMS, dynamic electronic display boards) and 255 cameras in the system, including closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and automatic incident detection (AID) cameras. The poles for 50 of the cameras have been installed,” said Mohmad Shaid.

It was learned that City Hall also aimed to convey the information processed by the system via other telecommunication means such as WAP, SMS and MMS.

The Transport Management Centre will accommodate a research and development facility and a call centre.

It can store up to one year’s worth of traffic database and assist in the co-ordination of emergency services through its linkages with the police, fire department and hospitals.

The system is managed by City Hall and developed by ITS Konsortium Sdn Bhd. The project was embarked on early this year and is expected to be operational by mid-2005.

It is one of the key solutions to the city’s deteriorating traffic situations as proposed in the Kuala Lumpur Draft Structure Plan 2020. Such a system has been applied in other developed cities to monitor traffic conditions.

http://www.monorails.org/tMspages/KLcamap.html

nice!

wow nice find Jong! I love it!

Siemens launches Regional Hub for Transportation Systems
in Malaysia

Officiated by HE Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder Siemens launches Regional Hub for Transportation Systems in Malaysia

http://www.mgcc.com.my/mgcc/main.nsf/a1c3e63c92172ee547256b550017c30c/c53de2f8fc0e7d5147256d2700327d36/Body/0.1E2?OpenElement&FieldElemFormat=jpg

12th May 2003 was a significant milestone for Siemens Transportation Systems (TS) Group as they launched the Regional Hub Asia Pacific for Transportation Systems in Malaysia. The event, which was officiated by the Chancellor of Germany, His Excellency Gerhard Schroeder, is timely, as Malaysia has master plans of transforming itself into a transportation powerhouse in Asia Pacific.
"Siemens is a good example of German engineering skill and of the ability to think in win-win categories," Schröder noted at the official opening of the competence center.
Siemens President and CEO Dr. Heinrich von Pierer noted that the country's well trained engineers are a valuable locational factor.

http://www.mgcc.com.my/mgcc/main.nsf/a1c3e63c92172ee547256b550017c30c/c53de2f8fc0e7d5147256d2700327d36/Body/0.3000?OpenElement&FieldElemFormat=jpg
HE Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder enjoying the view frome the Petronas Twin Towers

The regional hub which is located at the ultra modern Petronas Twin Towers will provide the know how in designing, engineering, training and feasibility studies within the Asia Pacific region. It will provide its services for major markets in the Asian region . Highly experienced engineers from various countries will be based at the hub to manage, assist, consult and advice transportation projects in the entire region.

Over the years, there has been a tremendous increase in demand for public transportation systems in Asia Pacific. The Government, under the 8th Malaysian plan has put strong em-phasis on playing a major role in the 'TransAsia Railway Link'. The 5,500km Railway System will connect Singapore to Kunming in China, and Malaysia will play a role in building three main phases of this project. These phases include Rawang-Ipoh, Ipoh-Padang Besar and Seremban-Johor.

Siemens is one of the key players in designing, engineering and implementing leading edge public transportation systems as well as being market leader in Turnkey Systems having major projects in Malaysia, Thailand, China and Taiwan. The regional hub is a significant move as it shows Siemens commitment to the region, particularly Malaysia.

Siemens Transportation Systems Group has been involved in numerous railway projects around the globe. In the Asian region, the Siemens Transportation Systems Group has successfully designed, supplied, implemented and commissioned the Ekspres Rail Link (ERL Airport Link) in Malaysia and the Bangkok Transit System, among others. At present Siemens Transportation Systems Group is supplying, implementing and commissioning Mass Rapid Transit Authority Bangkok, Metro Kaoshiung in Taiwan, the Shanghai Maglev Transrapid in China. Recently Siemens Transportation Systems Group took over from Bombardier Transportation the project management for the phase Rawang-Ipoh of the TransAsia Railway Link in Malaysia.
http://www.mgcc.com.my/mgcc/main.nsf/a1c3e63c92172ee547256b550017c30c/c53de2f8fc0e7d5147256d2700327d36?OpenDocument

Motorcycles may be barred from certain areas in KL

By SA’ODAH ELIAS

PUTRAJAYA: The government may turn certain parts of Kuala Lumpur city centre into “motorcycle-free” areas to curb the incidence of illegal racing and snatch theft.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Tengku Adnan Mansor said banning motorcycles from entering some parts of the city like Jalan Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang and the Chow Kit areas would be imposed as a last resort if other efforts to curb the illegal activity failed.

He said the Cabinet on Wednesday had expressed great concern over illegal racing that police said was closely tied to the high incidence of snatch theft in the city.

“Apart from the business centre, we may also ban motorcycles from entering areas where there are many tourist activities.

“This is because illegal racing and snatch theft, if left unchecked, can tarnish the image of Kuala Lumpur as a tourist destination.

“The Cabinet is very concerned because the number of tourists who have fallen prey to snatch theft in the city is on the increase,” he told reporters after chairing his ministry’s post Cabinet meeting today.

The meeting was also attended by Kuala Lumpur CPO Deputy Comm Datuk Dell Akbar Khan and mayor Datuk Mohmad Shaid Mohd Taufek.

=============================================

This has been done in some cities in China, US etc
Our public transport in those roads should then be improved!

Originally posted by baqthier

Motorcycles may be barred from certain areas in KL

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Tengku Adnan Mansor said banning motorcycles from entering some parts of the city like Jalan Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang and the Chow Kit areas would be imposed as a last resort if other efforts to curb the illegal activity failed.


I donno what to comment on this. Got both pro and cons. Imagine cannot ride a bike going into Bukit Bintang area. Me as a normal rider who ride bike everday back and front using some of the Bukit Bintang area will find it hard. I rather use my bike to go to Bukit Bintang during weekend rather than the monorail, bus or car in this case. Even if the goverment will only imposed it as a last resort. :ohno:

yahoo!!! :applause: ....hehehe....sorry Farid! :D

actually one of the main reason is actually the illegal racing that's been going on for ages downtown every weekend. It is VERY dangerous for everyone....pedestrian.....motorist and motorcyclists.

Then there is this instance my dad saw a tourist being snatch of her handbag in front of Regent Hotel by two guys on a motorcyclist........so what they say in this article is true. :(

Due to a few bad apples, the majority/genuine motorcyclist (like Farid) are penalised. Until situation improved, I strongly agreed that motorbikes should be banned from downtown. ;)

Ohh.. I never imagined you had problems with illegal street racing in KL also. Do you have the problem with unmuffled two-stroke engined motorcycles (extremely noisy ones) like in Bangkok?

I hope they can lift the ban after a while because riding motorcycles is fun ;)

Originally posted by Jo

Ohh.. I never imagined you had problems with illegal street racing in KL also. Do you have the problem with unmuffled two-stroke engined motorcycles (extremely noisy ones) like in Bangkok?

I hope they can lift the ban after a while because riding motorcycles is fun ;)

YES!!! :bleep:

esp when they raced past your house while you're watching TV or sleeping!!! :rant: ....luckily a few years back the govt had installed road humps along the road in front of my house :D

Thankfully nowadays most on sale are the 4-strokes ones....phew! :D

There are still plenty on the road and I am still irritated by em......they think they are cool but sadly people think they are silly..... ;)

As an outsider, and by experience, ban all vehicles and motorcycles along Jalan Imbi, outside Berjaya Times Square. It is a nightmare crossing the road without proper pedestrian crossings.

I was thinking the other day that it would be nice to have a Jln Imbi ring road built around the back of Berjaya Times Square and then pedestrianise the front of BTS along that section of Jln Imbi between Jln Pudu and Jln Sultan Ismail.

Andy

Originally posted by andyf

As an outsider, and by experience, ban all vehicles and motorcycles along Jalan Imbi, outside Berjaya Times Square. It is a nightmare crossing the road without proper pedestrian crossings.

I was thinking the other day that it would be nice to have a Jln Imbi ring road built around the back of Berjaya Times Square and then pedestrianise the front of BTS along that section of Jln Imbi between Jln Pudu and Jln Sultan Ismail.

Andy

We can't ban vehiecles from Jalan Imbi......first it would kill the life there and Imbi is one of the most important street for KL traffic. ;)

Remember when they closed Jalan Bkt Bintang during the weekends in early 2002? Everyone doesn't wants to go there anymore! :D

Actually there is a proper crossing ( a darn proper one if you asked me! :D ) at the Imbi monorail station. In my opinion, this is the BEST pedestrian crossing in KL as the crossing are served by escalators on both sides and this unlike the one at Lot 10 and Sg. Wang where it goes straight into Lot 10, but this pedestrian crossing even had stairs and escalators leading both into the mall and to the street. :)

The only problem is that either the public are uninformed or are ignorant about it. ;)

Here's some pictures of the crossing.....

http://ftp.maxis.net.my/szehoong/pix/kuala lumpur/TRANSPORTATION/KL Monorail/IMG_0745sm.JPG

The stairs in the middle leads to the station ticketing platform. The crossing are accessed thru the two openings at the sides.....;)

http://ftp.maxis.net.my/szehoong/pix/kuala lumpur/TRANSPORTATION/KL Monorail/IMG_0746sm.JPG

This is the crossing.....a bit boring without windows.....I suggest they have some ads there to brighten up the place a lil :D

http://ftp.maxis.net.my/szehoong/pix/kuala lumpur/TRANSPORTATION/KL Monorail/IMG_0755sm.JPG

This is the Imbi station with the escalator leading to the pedestrian walkway below and a crossing into Berjaya Times Sq ;)

Originally posted by szehoong

http://ftp.maxis.net.my/szehoong/pix/kuala lumpur/TRANSPORTATION/KL Monorail/IMG_0755sm.JPG

This is the Imbi station with the escalator leading to the pedestrian walkway below and a crossing into Berjaya Times Sq ;)

Honestly Sze. Even with a proper walkway do you think people will take that thing to cross Jalan Imbi road? I don't think so. Actually not many people realised that the monorail station also serve as pedestarian walkaway. Many people thought that it is only for the people using the monorail mah. I happen to stumble that once by accident also. If not I will not have any idea about the thing as well. ;)

Originally posted by ZaHiRnYa???

Honestly Sze. Even with a proper walkway do you think people will take that thing to cross Jalan Imbi road? I don't think so. Actually not many people realised that the monorail station also serve as pedestarian walkaway. Many people thought that it is only for the people using the monorail mah. I happen to stumble that once by accident also. If not I will not have any idea about the thing as well. ;)

that is the problem with Malaysians ........so in this case we need to educate em. If I am the city hall I would have barriers at the divider and sign boards to indicate the pedestrian walkway. I do not see the trouble of crossing Jln Imbi (I've crossed there many times before and it is no laughing matter) while I could just walk a lil to the station. I've been doing that since the monorail station and I find it no hassle at all as there's an escalator. ;)

Did anyone realised that there is also underground crossings at these locations too? :

- Masjid Jamek station
- KL Plaza - Regent Hotel

No one seems to notice or bother...... :ohno:

Originally posted by szehoong

that is the problem with Malaysians ........so in this case we need to educate em. If I am the city hall I would have barriers at the divider and sign boards to indicate the pedestrian walkway. I do not see the trouble of crossing Jln Imbi (I've crossed there many times before and it is no laughing matter) while I could just walk a lil to the station. I've been doing that since the monorail station and I find it no hassle at all as there's an escalator. ;)

Did anyone realised that there is also underground crossings at these locations too? :

- Masjid Jamek station
- KL Plaza - Regent Hotel

No one seems to notice or bother...... :ohno:

Yes. Both of this places got their own underground crossings. For Masjid Jamek, the underground always remain empty unless it is raining outside. People rather use the busy Jalan Tun Perak to make their daily crossing. Hmm...that will include me as well :D

Again the problem with the monorail walkway is the escalator goes up and a lot of steps down. Not too good when you have a lot of baggage in tow and not too good for the old folks or infirm.

Also if you coming to the Berjaya Times Square Hotel it is awkward
to reach the lobby from there.

I must say though, if it was'nt for the walkway I wouldn't have ventured into the Manhattan Cafe on the Berjaya Plaza side. Had a great meal there and spent the New Years Eve there also.

Andy

Originally posted by andyf

Again the problem with the monorail walkway is the escalator goes up and a lot of steps down. Not too good when you have a lot of baggage in tow and not too good for the old folks or infirm.

Also if you coming to the Berjaya Times Square Hotel it is awkward
to reach the lobby from there.

I must say though, if it was'nt for the walkway I wouldn't have ventured into the Manhattan Cafe on the Berjaya Plaza side. Had a great meal there and spent the New Years Eve there also.

Andy

well.....we can't expect too much can't we? :D In many of the 'developed countries' I've been to, pedestrian crossing usually have an escalator to go up but not down. It is much easier to carry your stuffs down and I don't think pedestrian crossing over to and from BTS would carry that much stuffs anyway. Should you shop a lot there, you would have parked your car there instead :D

Anyway, should you require an escalator to go down, one could always venture into the mall for the escalator convenience. In fact to get to the hotel form the monorail station being awkward had nothing to do with KL Monorail but it is Berjaya's fault in the design of the mall.

However I find it isn't too difficult :
Just walk from the monorail station to the walkway and turn left and you'll see Foto Shangri-La and Miki Paris on your left. Walk straight and you'll see the escalator which leads you dorectly to the ground floor. Upon reaching the ground floor, turn to your right and you should see Debenhams. Next to Debenhams is a money changer and the entrance to the hotel is next to it. ;)

Actually the hotel are very accessible from the mall so getting off the monorail and into the mall isn't much of a hassle. Then just proceed to the hotel :D

So it's called BTS in KL also. What does the abbrevation stand for? For sure it's not Bangkok Transit System ;)

Originally posted by Jo

So it's called BTS in KL also. What does the abbrevation stand for? For sure it's not Bangkok Transit System ;)

BTS in Malaysia is the short form for Berjaya Times S

Originally posted by Jo

So it's called BTS in KL also. What does the abbrevation stand for? For sure it's not Bangkok Transit System ;)

BTS in Malaysia is the short form for Berjaya Times Square :D

Originally posted by Jo

So it's called BTS in KL also. What does the abbrevation stand for? For sure it's not Bangkok Transit System ;)

haha....I noticed that too.....in fact no one here in KL call it BTS....just that in the forums we wanna make things short so easier to type ;)

In fact when I was in Bangkok, I received an SMS from TYW saying that he wanted to meet me at BTS on a certain time. I didn't the see the originator so I thought it was from Nazrey whom I happen gonna meet him that day too and the coincidence that it would also be at a BTS station! :D haha.....luckily I figured out quickly that it was TYW as he mentioned Saturday! :lol:

Originally posted by szehoong

haha....I noticed that too.....in fact no one here in KL call it BTS....just that in the forums we wanna make things short so easier to type ;)

In fact when I was in Bangkok, I received an SMS from TYW saying that he wanted to meet me at BTS on a certain time. I didn't the see the originator so I thought it was from Nazrey whom I happen gonna meet him that day too and the coincidence that it would also be at a BTS station! :D haha.....luckily I figured out quickly that it was TYW as he mentioned Saturday! :lol:

I called it BTS mah among my friend;). Reading from the newspaper yesterday I think the goverment is seriously considering to ban biker mah from entering certain areas in KL. :rant: How sad. So unfair.

Originally posted by ZaHiRnYa???

I called it BTS mah among my friend;). Reading from the newspaper yesterday I think the goverment is seriously considering to ban biker mah from entering certain areas in KL. :rant: How sad. So unfair.

hmmm...that's strange.....I've never heard anyone called Berjaya Times Sq as BTS except in da forum for convenience sake :D Always people call it 'Times Square'........;)

Well....today's newspaper say that would only be the last resort.......just because of the few (actually not few ....quote a lot also!) of those idiots....the rest would also faced the consequences. Just like the saying - Oleh kerana setitik nila rosak sebelanga susu.....;)

I geddit now.. yeah SMS txt'ing can be confusing :)

Thanks for the explanation.

Originally posted by szehoong

Just like the saying - Oleh kerana setitik nila rosak sebelanga susu.....;)

Sze...its "susu sebelanga" la btw :D

Originally posted by ZaHiRnYa???

Sze...its "susu sebelanga" la btw :D

hehe.... :bash: .....hey....at least I can remember something....hehehe :D outta secondary school so damn long liao! :colgate:

'susu sebelanga??' wats dat?? Bejaya Times Square sells milk then rosak???:? :?

anyway~ good Gov idea~ never like those crazy motorcycle~:guns1:

Originally posted by SEED

'susu sebelanga??' wats dat?? Bejaya Times Square sells milk then rosak???:? :?


Its a saying lah! :bash:

KL Police Propose 11pm-4am Ban On Motorcycles In City Centre


KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 (Bernama) -- Kuala Lumpur Traffic Police have proposed that motorcycles of 150cc and below be banned from the city's main streets between 11pm and 4am on weekends and holidays to check illegal racing and snatch thefts.

Head of the Kuala Lumpur Traffic Police and Public Order Department ACP Jamaludin Khalid said Wednesday the main streets would include Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Ampang and Jalan Ipoh.

The proposals had been submitted to the Bukit Aman National Police Headquarters for their perusal before being forwarded to the government, he told a media conference.

He said it was the last resort if illegal racing could not be checked through normal operations and arrests.

ACP Jamaludin said illegal racing was also linked to snatch thefts as between 10 to 15 snatch thefts were carried out here daily by motorcyclists and about 50 per cent of the victims were foreign tourists.

In the first 10 days of this month, 12 motorcyclists were arrested for taking part in illegal racing, he said.

ACP Jamaludin said Kuala Lumpur police also set up a special squad on Jan 10 to handle illegal racing.

ACP Jamaludin also said traffic offences in the city had doubled and within the last two days 5,388 summonses had been issued.

He also urged the people wishing to return to their hometowns for the Chinese New Year celebrations to inform the police so that patrol cars could keep an eye on their premises.

He said the people could fill out special forms for the purpose at the various police stations or call police at Tel No 03-20520199.

SMS can also be sent to POLISKL (space) name (space) address (space) and the date they are leaving and the date they are returning.

-- BERNAMA

:guns1:

Originally posted by SEED

'susu sebelanga??' wats dat?? Bejaya Times Square sells milk then rosak???:? :?


Ha..ha...this is so damn funny. :rofl:
I simply cannot stop laughing :rofl:
Sorry Seed.

Zahir> hehe~ is 'k men~ sometimes i dont realli get the 'sayin' 'k~ oh well... sorri Sze~ he dont sound veri happy~:D :D my Malay is O grade 'k~;)

anyway... just curios~ why wanna use milk as a sayin???:hm:

Originally posted by SEED

Zahir> hehe~ is 'k men~ sometimes i dont realli get the 'sayin' 'k~ oh well... sorri Sze~ he dont sound veri happy~:D :D my Malay is O grade 'k~;)

HAHAHA........I wanna keep myself from LOL lah! :lol:

So not to offend you I just use :bash: and explain it is a sayin.....hehehe.......

'Setitik Nila Rosak Susu Sebelanga' literally translate to something like - 'a drop of ink spoils a whole jar of milk'.........I think someone like Baq or Farid could translate better! :D

dun worry....I have nothing to be unhappy about.....you're providing some entertainment for me as well! :D

It's just like the saying "Kerbau keluar lumpur, semua kanasai" :D

Originally posted by szehoong
'Setitik Nila Rosak Susu Sebelanga' literally translate to something like - 'a drop of ink spoils a whole jar of milk'.........I think someone like Baq or Farid could translate better! :D

dun worry....I have nothing to be unhappy about.....you're providing some entertainment for me as well! :D
Er.. isn't 'nila' vinegar or something?

Nila is some kind of emulsion that turns white fabric blue ;)

Originally posted by baqthier

Nila is some kind of emulsion that turns white fabric blue ;)

Do people use nila this days? I rarely see people using one mah :?

Originally posted by glenj

Er.. isn't 'nila' vinegar or something?

haha....I actually dunno how to translate........the nearest thing I could think of as a substitute for 'nila' would be 'ink'........It is a form of natural dye actually.........:D

Thanks for the 'nila' definitions (or attempted) guys... i dunno wat made me keep thinking all this while that it's vinegar. What's vinegar called, anyway?? Oh yes, it just sprung to mind.. cuka, rite?? :D

Originally posted by glenj

Thanks for the 'nila' definitions (or attempted) guys... i dunno wat made me keep thinking all this while that it's vinegar. What's vinegar called, anyway?? Oh yes, it just sprung to mind.. cuka, rite?? :D

Yeah...correct Glenj. Vinegar = cuka :D

No change in speed limit


BY MAZNI MUSTAFA


SUNGAI SIPUT: The Cabinet has decided not to increase the speed limit on highways to 120kph, said Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu.

He said the speed limit would remain at 110kph in view of the high number of accidents over the past few months, especially during the Hari Raya season.

Samy Vellu said that in arriving at the decision, the Government also took into consideration the bad attitude and inconsiderate behaviour of some drivers in the country.

“The Government feels an increase will do no good to motorists because at the current 110kph limit they are already speeding at 160kph or 170kph.

“An increase to 120kph will encourage them further,” he said after presenting an education grant from the Education Ministry to 4,936 primary school pupils totalling RM592,320 at SM Tok Muda Abd Aziz yesterday.

Samy Vellu also said that the Government was concerned with the bad attitude of many Malaysian drivers and planned to check the high number of road accidents.

Calls for higher speed limits on highways have been heard over the years, with the idea gaining impetus in March last year after the Cabinet agreed in principle to a Works Ministry proposal to raise it.

In April last year, Samy Vellu revealed in Parliament that almost 20% of the motorists on highways failed to comply with the speed limit, prompting calls for the proposed increase in speed limit along certain stretches of highways.

Other arguments for raising the speed limit were increased safety features of highways and technological advances in recent years which resulted in safer and more reliable cars.

Statistics also showed that the accident rate on highways was lower than on trunk and state roads.

From thestar.com.my
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2004/1/18/nation/7135596&sec=nation

Move to keep speed limit gets strong support

PETALING JAYA: Non-governmental organisations and associations have lauded the Cabinet’s decision to maintain the speed limit on highways at 110kph, citing recent accidents as a cause for concern.

The Association of Malaysian Driving Institutes president Mat Aris Bakar said the Government’s move was professional and positive.

“If policy makers are serious about reducing accidents on the roads, the move to maintain the current speed limit is good.

“In fact, the World Road Congress which had a meeting in Kuala Lumpur in 2000 revealed that if the speed was increased to 120kph, there would be one fatal accident for every 10km an hour,” he said yesterday.

Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye lauded the move, saying that in view of fatal accidents recently, the speed limit should be maintained at 110kph.

“I think it is an appropriate decision, bearing in mind that speed kills. If the speed is increased to 120kph, it does not make much sense because even without the increase, people are speeding,” he said.

Fomca president Datuk Prof Hamdan Adnan also welcomed the move, saying that there had been too many accidents on the road the past few months.

On Friday, Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the speed limit would remain at 110kph in view of the high number of accidents the past few months, especially during the Hari Raya season.

Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Tajol Rosli Ghazali said the Government should impose the 120kph speed limit on highways, adding that the 110kph speed limit presently was not effective.

“I feel that 120kph is a very reasonable speed to impose. However, at the same time, the authorities should be very strict and impose stringent rules so that severe action is taken against those who go above the speed limit,” he said after giving away Chinese New Year goodies and angpows to 1,200 senior citizens and the less fortunate at the Tow Boo Keong temple hall in Ipoh yesterday.

Albern Murty, a manager at a telecommunications company, said speed was not the main cause of bad road accidents as statistics showed that more accidents happened on trunk roads rather than expressways.

L.H. Cheng, an officer in a government department, said there was no reason for the speed limit along good and straight stretches of any expressway not to be increased.

Source: The Star
http://star-techcentral.com/tech/story.asp?file=/2004/1/21/technology/7150356&sec=technology

More than a ride with KL's 'tech-sy' drivers

By RASLAN SHARIF

KUALA LUMPUR: They are equipped with gadgets to beat the jams and arrive at pick-up points more quickly, tell you about the latest attractions and goings-on, and sell you tickets, coupons and bookings – all in the comfort of the cab.

And the city’s 100-strong high-tech cabbies will make money doing it all as participants of the Government’s "Smart Taxipreneur" pilot project, which was launched by Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz on Monday.

“The project will transform them into knowledgeable taxi drivers who can provide the best service while increasing their income,” he said in his speech at the launch.

The one-year project involves taxi drivers from two companies, CabCharge (M) Sdn Bhd and Destination Transport Sdn Bhd, which operate primarily in the city centre and surrounding high-traffic shopping and commercial areas.

Besides generating more income, having technology-wielding drivers would also help to enhance the standing of taxi drivers in general, Nazri said.

“It will improve the status and image of their profession,” he added.

Each of the “smart” taxis is equipped with a GPS (global positioning system) receiver and a web-based infokiosk with a smartcard terminal.

Nazri did not provide the total cost of the project, but project officials said the two taxi companies involved footed most of the bill for the Malaysian-made equipment, which costs about RM12,500 for each taxi.

The receiver is linked to a GPS despatch management system used for fleet, reservation, tracking and call management, as well as to broadcast the latest traffic conditions sourced from Kuala Lumpur City Hall on the routes the taxis ply.

“The system would enable drivers to be directed to the nearest passenger and told which roads to avoid, so no time is wasted,” said Nazri.

He added that with GPS tracking, the safety of both driver and passenger would be assured, besides ensuring prompt response to any emergency situation the taxis might be involved in, such as accidents and breakdowns.

The quicker “turnaround” time would enable the drivers to get more passengers. Project officials estimate each Smart Taxipreneur would have an average of 30 passengers daily, with trips lasting about 15 minutes each.

The 15 minutes also provide the next avenue for the drivers to increase their income. The infokiosks would display content such as video and banner advertising, and sponsored channels promoting local events and attractions, while the smartcard terminal would be used for interactive classifieds and point-of-sale promotions such as hotel bookings, electronic tickets and coupons.

Nazri said while standard trip fares would be charged, the drivers would make extra money from their share of the revenue generated from the sale of the infokiosk commercial spots, and commissions from in-cab passenger transactions.

To ensure the equipment is used effectively, the taxi drivers have undergone a training programme that includes courses on ICT skills.

The programme, drawn up in consultation with the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board, is endorsed by the Human Resources Ministry and would eventually be expanded into a certificate course recognised by Universiti Tun Abdul Razak.

Nazri said the project would include 400 more taxis in the city in the coming months.

He also expressed hopes the project would be expanded to more taxis operating in Kuala Lumpur and other cities.

The Smart Taxipreneur project is partly funded by the Science, Technology and Environment Ministry’s Demonstrator Application Grant Scheme administered by Mimos Bhd.

As with all DAGS-funded initiatives, the project will have to become self-sustainable once funding ends, but officials were confident in its viability.

Nazri said fares for trips on the taxis would not be raised during the period of the pilot project.

There are currently more than 30,000 taxi drivers in Kuala Lumpur.

***************************************************
I just love this news! :)

And we only have 24 million people!

http://sg.biz.yahoo.com/040127/15/3hjme.html


Malaysia 2004 Auto Sales Seen Up On Pent-Up Demand

KUALA LUMPUR (Dow Jones)--The volume of Malaysian vehicle sales is likely to rise around 5% on year in 2004 due to pent-up consumer demand and brisker economic growth, auto dealers and industry officials said Tuesday.

Sales will increase despite consumer disappointment that the country's pivot toward Asean Free Trade Area rules this year won't bring price benefits. In fact, foreign car dealers estimate prices will rise 10% or more. Price increases for national cars will be moderate, since these models enjoy government protection, experts say.

The government sharply cut import duties on vehicles built in the region from Jan. 1, but imposed excise taxes on all imported cars to offset reduced import revenue.

The Malaysian Automotive Association projects motor vehicle sales of 425,000 in 2004, up from 405,010 units in 2003, mainly due to pent-up demand, an improving economy and easy financing.

Many consumers held off on new car purchases in 2003, waiting for the government's new tax structure, which was announced Dec. 31.

"Now that the direction of the government's policy on car prices is clear, there will be no more wait-and-see attitude by consumers to buy vehicles," Malaysian Automotive Association President Aishah Ahmad said earlier Tuesday at a media briefing.

In addition, stronger economic growth should help to drive sales upward this year, she said.

The government has forecast economic growth of 5.5%-6% in 2004. That is above its 2003 forecast of 4.5% growth and market expectations of around 5% growth for the same year. The 2003 economic data will be announced before end-February.

Traditionally, stronger economic growth translates into higher private consumption, including car sales.

Sales in 2004 will also be boosted by attractive financing packages and low car loan rates, Aishah said.

For this year, the association expects passenger car sales to rise 4.4% on year to 334,000 units, commercial vehicle sales to rise 8% to 55,000 units and four-wheel drive vehicle sales to increase 4.8% to 36,000 units.

But industry experts warn that the increase in sales volume will be damped by higher prices this year in the wake of the new 2004 vehicle tax structure and the strength of the yen and the euro versus the U.S. dollar.

The yen has climbed about 8% against the dollar since last September, when Japan signed on to a U.S.-led statement by the G7 finance ministers and central bankers favoring more flexibility in exchange rates.

Malaysia's ringgit is pegged at MYR3.80 to $1, making Japanese car and car part imports more expensive as the yen rises.

At Tuesday's briefing, a dealer who distributes Japanese-made Nissan vehicles said he expects the prices to rise 3.9%-8.6%, depending on the model, in 2004, while a dealer for Japanese-made Isuzu vehicles expects an estimated 10% rise in the price of four-wheel-drive Isuzu vehicles.

A Daimler-Chrysler dealer said the price of some imported Mercedes-Benz models may rise slightly due to the stronger euro.

Dealers for Toyota and Naza-Kia vehicles will announce new prices soon.

Malaysia commands the largest new car market among Association of Southeast Asian Nations members, despite the fact that other markets' growth performed better in 2003.

Neighboring economies such as Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines reported higher auto sales in 2003, Aishah said, with Indonesia and the Philippines reporting on-year sales increases between 7% and 8%.

In Malaysia, total vehicle sales dropped 6.9% on year, while sales of locally made Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Bhd. (5304.KU), or Proton, plunged 27.5% from 2002 to 155,420 vehicles - outdone by foreign competitors that introduced new models in 2003.

Proton has said it will introduce new models soon but hasn't specified a date. Aishah said Proton's sales volume will likely rise 5% this year, assuming the new models are put on the market soon.

Proton dealers weren't present at the briefing. However, analysts project all Proton car prices will likely rise between MYR2,000 and MYR10,000 this year under the new tax structure, despite the government's 50% rebate on excise taxes for national cars.

On Jan. 1, the government cut import tariffs on passenger car kits imported from other Asean countries and then assembled locally, known in the trade as completely knocked-down units, or CKDs, to a flat 25% from between 42% and 80%.

It also cut the tariffs on the import of completely built-up cars, or CBUs, from other Asean countries to between 70% and 90%, from as much as 300%.

But to make up for lost revenue, the government increased the excise taxes on CKDs to 60%-100% from 55%, and on CBUs to 60%-100%, from 0%. National carmakers will continue to be protected with a 50% rebate on excise tax.

***************************************************

From Channelnewsasia.com
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific_business/view/68131/1/.html

Malaysia 2003 vehicle sales down for first time in five years

KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysia's vehicle sales in 2003 fell for the first time in five years as consumers held back amid uncertainties over auto policy but they are expected to rebound this year despite an impending hike in car prices.

Sales fell 6.90 percent to 405,100 units last year because consumers were waiting for cheaper cars under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Free Trade Area (AFTA) and due to the SARS outbreak in the region, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said.

MAA president Aishah Ahmad said Malaysia was the only country among ASEAN's top four auto markets -- along with Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines -- that registered a drop in vehicle sales but it remained the biggest passenger car market.

Sales are expected to rebound to grow five percent to reach 425,000 units this year because uncertainties over Malaysia's AFTA policy have been lifted following the recent announcement of a new motor tariff structure, she said.

Although car prices will generally increase under the new tax structure, she said a strong stockmarket, a robust economy, continued attractive hire purchase rates and impending general elections will boost sales.

"The auto industry can expect to perform better in 2004. The direction by the government is clear and vehicle prices are not expected to come down with the implementation of AFTA in Malaysia," she told a news conference.

Members of the MAA, which represents 34 foreign car distributors, are expected to unveil new car prices within a month.

Passenger car sales in 2003 fell 11 percent to 319,845 units, with national cars Proton and Perodua accounting for 85 percent of the market, down from 91 percent in 2002, while non-national cars increased their share to 15 percent, led by Japanese carmakers Toyota and Nissan.

Proton car sales fell a sharp 27.5 percent to 155,420 units, causing its market share to slip to 49 percent from 60 percent in 2002.

Sales of commercial cars were up nearly 19 percent to 50,824 while four-wheel-drive vehicles rose six percent to 34,339.

Under AFTA, import tariffs for most products in the region were cut to below five percent over the last year. Malaysia obtained a two-year reprieve for its auto industry until 2005 but it recently said it would further defer reducing duties to the required level until 2008.

- AFP

*********************************************

Wah Malaysians really wait for the price to go down ah? hehehe

yea....I am quite surprised that we are tha largest car market in SEA considering we had quite a small population. I would be thinking it would be Thailand or the Philippines to be a much larger car market. :?

And that coupled with that of our taxes and duties for cars and parts - making Malaysian cars some of the most expensive in the world (with the exception of Singapore ......as far as I know) ;)

For those who really miss KL! I love the one at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. Very clear :D Can see Maju Junction :cry:
SO LIVE 24 hrs!!!!
http://www.jpbdbkl.gov.my/eng/

so slow load for 56kers :(

Direct links for you lazy fingers :D


Jalan Bukit Bintang Selatan - Lot 10, Sungei Wang
http://www.jpbdbkl.gov.my/eng/popup.cfm?c=18&t=2

Jalan Ampang/ Jalan Tun Razak - Menara Citibank, AMfinance
http://www.jpbdbkl.gov.my/eng/popup.cfm?c=22&t=2

Jalan Raja Laut - SOGO
http://www.jpbdbkl.gov.my/eng/popup.cfm?c=20&t=2

More links later... :D

wah!! starting to jam @ bkt Bintang:D great links!

DBKL started this service like back in 2001 lah ;)

But most of the time the system is down so I didn't use it often.......dunno bout now.....hopefully they improve on the up-time. :(

Originally posted by szehoong

DBKL started this service like back in 2001 lah ;)

But most of the time the system is down so I didn't use it often.......dunno bout now.....hopefully they improve on the up-time. :(

NTV 7 used to show it after news last time right??

Nice find!

great find...;)

http://66.102.11.104/search?q=cache:FKMsxnzDYwsJ:www011.upp.so-net.ne.jp/isf-japan/car-e.html+Solar+car+malaysia&hl=th&ie=UTF-8

Solar car is mostly, a kind of electric vehicle which has a mean (mostly P.V.) to collect solar radiation energy.
Some cars use this energy to propell directly and others use indirectly with employing batterys or capacitors.

World first solar car event was held in 1984 at Swizerland, and in 1987, a real racing event was held at Australia.
A success of this event caused starting of US university students race, also technical regulation became international standard and now on.

Biggest race is now, still World Solar Challenge (http://www.wsc.org.au) being held ones 2,3 years since 1987.
This race covers more than 3000km along Stuart Highway from north to south of Australian continent,
and an average speed of winning car in latest event is over 90km/h set by Netherland team (2001).

In USA or in Japan also in Malaysia, there are several, but histrical events providing harvestfull experiences for the people specially for young engineers.



Suria Kar 2
http://www.fh-bochum.de/solarcar/wsc2003/bilder031027.php

http://www.fh-bochum.de/images/solarcar/wsc/031027-3.jpg

The Teams

This year the 7th World Solar Challenge is expecting over 30 teams from 12 countries.
The following teams are fully registered and looking forward to being part of one of the greatest scientific adventures of our time.

http://www.wsc.org.au/teams.htm

http://www007.upp.so-net.ne.jp/tantony/topic/malaysia/mimg/tenji4.jpg

http://www007.upp.so-net.ne.jp/tantony/topic/malaysia/mimg/tenji3.jpg

http://www007.upp.so-net.ne.jp/tantony/topic/malaysia/mimg/tenji2.jpg

http://www007.upp.so-net.ne.jp/tantony/topic/malaysia/mimg/tenji5.jpg

http://www007.upp.so-net.ne.jp/tantony/topic/malaysia/mimg/p1.jpg

http://www007.upp.so-net.ne.jp/tantony/topic/malaysia/mimg/p3.jpg

http://www007.upp.so-net.ne.jp/tantony/topic/malaysia/mimg/ins3.jpg


http://www007.upp.so-net.ne.jp/tantony/topic/malaysia/mimg/ins2.jpg

UTM TAKASAKI
http://www007.upp.so-net.ne.jp/tantony/topic/malaysia/mimg/1race17.jpg

SUN LAKE
http://www007.upp.so-net.ne.jp/tantony/topic/malaysia/mimg/1race14.jpg

KUSUME SOLAR CROW JAPAN
http://www007.upp.so-net.ne.jp/tantony/topic/malaysia/mimg/1rase15.jpg

OSU
http://www007.upp.so-net.ne.jp/tantony/topic/malaysia/mimg/1race3.jpg

SKY ICE TIGA
http://www007.upp.so-net.ne.jp/tantony/topic/malaysia/mimg/2race7.jpg

SURIA KAR
http://www007.upp.so-net.ne.jp/tantony/topic/malaysia/mimg/2raceutm.jpg

http://www007.upp.so-net.ne.jp/tantony/topic/malaysia/mimg/3start1.jpg

WORLD SOLAR CAR CHAMPIONSHIP MALAYSIA 2001
WSCC report
http://www007.upp.so-net.ne.jp/tantony/topic/malaysia/wscc8.htm

Solar car races past Malaysian Prime Minister's office in Putrajaya.

http://about.reuters.com/malaysia/Picture%20gallery/2pic2large.gif

http://about.reuters.com/malaysia/Picture%20gallery/Julypic1large.htm

MALAYSIA SURIA KAR 2 IN PARADE

http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/album/20030831/images/previews/preview109.jpg

Great info and pix Nazrey! :okay:

I am unaware Malaysia is into this in a big way....I;ve always thought they just participated in some solar car race thats all ;)

YES..another excellent post by Nazrey! You're one of the most excellent contributors in this Malaysian forums ;). Thanks for the infos.

All right,I'm just looking forward for the world progressing sir.

Thank you - anyway Suria mean The sun,right?

Originally posted by nazrey

Thank you - anyway Suria mean The sun,right?

yup! :okay:

The first of three flyover projects in PJ kicks off


By JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ



WORK on a RM16mil project to build a two-lane flyover at the Jalan Universiti/Jalan Datuk Abu Bakar roundabout is now under way.

The 1.2km project, which was tendered to IJM Construction Sdn Bhd, is expected to be completed by October next year. Work on the project started in October 2003.

All roads at the interchange will be widened to four lanes to ease traffic congestion that occurs in the area during peak hours.

Two other flyovers to be built in Petaling Jaya are at the Rothmans and Templer roundabouts.

Both projects are expected to kick off this year.






http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2004/3/p3briefing.JPG

Lim (centre) during the briefing. With him are staff members of MPPJ and IJM Construction staff.







Bukit Gasing assemblyman Datuk Dr Lim Thuang Seng said the Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (MPPJ) decided to build the flyovers after studying the traffic condition in Petaling Jaya.

He said the increasing number of cars had added to the traffic congestion in the town.

“The flyovers are important to improve the traffic situation.

“In PJ, we can only do so much with the land available. We can either improve the road or co-ordinate better in developing the town,” Lim told reporters during an on-site briefing on the project in Jalan Universiti.

As for the Templer roundabout flyover, Lim said the project was supposed to have started last year.





http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2004/3/m_3interchange.jpg






“It did not take off because the New Pantai Expressway’s (NPE) concessionaire had proposed to build a simple one-lane flyover and this was not approved.

“The flyover at the Templer roundabout will lead directly to Jalan Templer with a right turn to Jalan Gasing,” added Lim.

The construction of the three flyovers will be carried out under the MPPJ’s Deferred Payment Scheme, where only financially strong companies that are able to bear the cost of a project are picked.

“The council will then pay them back in instalments,’’ said Lim, adding that under the scheme, projects were tendered only to reliable companies.

Yep! can't wait to naik the Subang-Puchong one..very soon buka..

My very dear friends, I wish you enormous luck in solving your traffic problems! :angel1:

Here they keep saying "if we had better public transit our traffic problems would be over." I know that to be flawed thinking. Why? They have enviably fine public transit in Europe, but their traffic & parking problems persist. :(

Originally posted by Whose Homepage

My very dear friends, I wish you enormous luck in solving your traffic problems! :angel1:

Here they keep saying "if we had better public transit our traffic problems would be over." I know that to be flawed thinking. Why? They have enviably fine public transit in Europe, but their traffic & parking problems persist. :(

Thanks WH! :wave:

I think both development goes hand-in-hand. Here in KL, road-building are so much faster and ahead of our public transits that it actually sort of encourages people to own more cars! :rant:

Although they are making strides in public transportation, it ain't fast enough as there are limited local expertise. We've just had a fledging local mass transit monorail compared to the dozens of highway and road builders. ;)

Then there's always this issue with funds and land acquisition......:(

Originally posted by baqthier

Yep! can't wait to naik the Subang-Puchong one..very soon buka..

Subang-Puchong ??? :?

You mean Subang-Pantai izzit? Cost that is where the New Pantai Expressway is taking you to :D

Anyway the KL bound part of the highway is already opened. I tested it the other day....superb man......Subang to Jalan Kuchai Lama (near Old Klang Road) in less than 5 mins! (usual about 30 mins on normal traffic condition) :eek:

Early end to toll collection at Jalan Pahang


SUNGAI SIPUT: Metramac Corporation will stop collection at the Jalan Pahang toll plaza from midnight tonight instead of March 31.

Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the Government gave the approval for the concessionaire to cease toll collection.

Speaking at a press conference at the Barisan Nasional operations room here yesterday, Samy Vellu said the decision would be a boon to the thousands of motorists from Setapak, Gombak and Wardieburn Camp.

The toll plaza would be demolished in a simple ceremony, he said.

Metramac was awarded the contract in August 1995 and charged 30 sen for taxis, 50 sen for cars and RM1 for lorries.

Sounds great and efficient! :cool:

Hi, i'm new here. It sounds cool. Hopefully it can be implemented soon.

I personally feel that there is really lots of room for improvement in the public transportation sector in KL. May be with a more comprehensive coverage of LRT and other public transportation network, the traffic in KL can be a much smoother flow.

Welcome to the forum Xfactor! Where are you from? ;)

Thanks. I'm from Sarawak. I believe i'm the only 1 in this forum from East M'sia. Hehe.

Great! Hope to hear from you on updates in the Bumi Kenyalang! ;)

Only 16% use public transport in KL, says Chan
From the Chinese Press

MALAYSIA has the lowest number of public transport users in Asia, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said.

In an exclusive interview with Sin Chew Daily, Chan said only 16% of the people used public transport in Kuala Lumpur, compared with 60% in Seoul, 56% in Singapore and 30% in Bangkok.

He added that among the reasons cited by commuters for shying away from public transport were bad services.

?The Government is currently looking into ways to improve the public transport system in the Klang Valley to attract more people to use public transportation,? he said.

WELCOME, Xfactor
which part of sarawak are u from?

Thanx :cheers: I am from Sibu :)

Thanks. I'm from Sarawak. I believe i'm the only 1 in this forum from East M'sia. Hehe.

WELCOME TO THE FORUM Xfactor :)

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2004/5/20/nation/8024146&sec=nation
from thestar

Enforcement on KL bus lanes from June

PUTRAJAYA: City Hall and the police have been directed to book motorists who have been using the bus lanes around Kuala Lumpur from June 1.

Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Isa Samad, in admitting the two agencies have not enforced the laws, said the move was necessary as part of efforts to ease traffic congestion and to ensure bus passengers reached their destinations on time.

?Bus passengers have been complaining they are not able to reach their destinations on time and we need to re-enforce the (laws on) bus lanes.

?These lanes have been provided for some time but after that there was hardly any enforcement; buses use the middle lane, cars go into the bus lanes. I don?t know what is the reason for not enforcing the laws,? said Isa at his post-Cabinet meeting here yesterday.

?If we continue not to enforce the laws, then the motorists will think the system is not in place.

?So those who flout the laws from June 1 ? action will be taken against them,? he said.

The 10 roads which have special lanes are Jalan Raja Laut, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Ipoh, Jalan Syed Putra, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Jalan Bangsar, Jalan Imbi, Jalan Pudu, Jalan Cheng Lock and Jalan Damansara.

Isa also warned that entertainment premises that flouted the conditions of their business licence would face closure.

?I was recently briefed by the police on entertainment outlets in Kuala Lumpur. Any immoral activities should be acted upon by the police,? he said.

Funny......a lot of people already adhere to this rule already mah............some even avoid the bus lanes at night :lol: ....anyway its the busses and the taxis which flouted this ruling not the average motorist although there are bad apples out there ;)

A nice read! :lol:
From The Star
http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2004/8/2/features/8551437&sec=features
Give me a sign
By MARY SCHNEIDER

I?m the first to admit that my sense of direction is almost on par with that of a baked potato. It?s so bad that I often get disoriented when I?m in my local shopping mall. Indeed, the last time I was shopping there, I was forced to stop and ask someone for directions to a particular shop that I?d been to several times before, only to discover that I was standing right in front of it.

Some people have the sense of humour of a baked potato and refuse to laugh along with me whenever I have a ?duh? moment in public.

When I?m driving around the streets of Penang, I seldom get lost. Probably because I know the place so well after living here for more than 20 years. But take me out of my familiar environment and there?s no telling what might happen.

Take the other week, for example, when two girlfriends and I decided to take a trip down to Kuala Lumpur to see a musical.

?Let?s share the driving,? I suggested to my friend as I clambered into her car outside my house. ?You take the stretch to Ipoh and I?ll take over from there.?

She smiled somewhat nervously. ?Okay, but before we get to KL, you must let me take over again.?

I readily agreed, and after a leisurely lunch-stop in Ipoh, I took over the wheel.

?What are the chances of anyone getting lost on the North-South Expressway? You?ve got to be really dumb for something like that to happen,? I joked as we left Perak?s capital behind us.

The two teenagers who were accompanying us agreed with my sentiments by emitting a few grunts. My two friends, on the other hand, remained ominously silent.

Before we even reached KL, however, our hostess telephoned with a change of plan. We would drive to Janda Baik, Pahang, not far from Genting Highlands, spend the night at her rural retreat, and then head down to Bangsar in KL for the musical the following evening.

?Follow the signs to Genting Highlands and you can?t go wrong!? I was instructed.

Half an hour later, when I saw a signboard claiming that the exit to Genting Highlands was only 1km away, I relaxed and thought of the cool, fresh air ahead of us.

A short while later, though, I was abruptly jerked out of my idyll when I made to turn off the highway. Genting Highlands was no longer on the signboard.

I felt like a character in an episode of the Twilight Zone. At the last moment, I swerved back onto the highway, feeling rather confused.

Suddenly, the other occupants in the car were wide awake.

?Why didn?t you take that turning?? Friend One said.

?Yes, why didn?t you?? demanded Friend Two.

The teenagers mumbled something in teen-speak.

?Genting Highlands wasn?t on the signboard, so I thought it couldn?t possibly be down there,? I said, in an attempt to justify my actions.

?Well, where exactly do you think it?s gone?? asked Friend One.

?Signboards are like that here,? said Friend Two. ?Sometimes the final destination doesn?t appear again until much later. You have to remember the names of the smaller places along the way to your destination to keep you on track.?

?No one told me I would need a PhD is Signboard Methodology to make this trip,? I wanted to say.

?Never mind,? I said instead, smiling sweetly. ?I?ll just get off at the next exit and turn around. At the very most, we?ll lose 20 minutes.?

Ten minutes later, I was on the road to Rawang in Selangor. I had hoped that I would have been able to do a U-turn after the toll plaza, but the traffic on the other side of the road was bumper-to-bumper.

A few minutes later, and we were smack in the middle of Rawang.

?Let?s look on the bright side,? I said, before anyone had the chance to say anything disparaging.

?I?m sure we?ve all heard of Rawang without having a clue as to what the place is really like. Now we can tell everyone that we?ve been here.?

A few voices from the rear echoed the air of mutinous dissent in the car.

Thirty kilometres later, as we approached the Genting Highlands exit on the road north, the four other people in the car sat to attention and made sure that I didn?t veer off track again. They then they let out a collective sigh of relief and left me to my own devices.

A few miles down the road, I found myself at a T-junction. Genting wasn?t on any of the signboards.

We telephoned our hostess. Since she usually accesses Janda Baik from the south, and we were coming from the north, she was a clueless as the rest of us. So, based on our collective gut instincts, we took a right turn.

After a while, we came to another T-junction, with still no indication that we were on the right track, and so the journey continued.

By the time we arrived at our hostess?s house in Janda Baik, my hands were fossilised around the steering wheel.

Next time, I?m taking the bus.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2004/12/19/nation/9694242&sec=nation
Fourth exit for Subang Jaya, USJ

BY A. LETCHUMANAN
KUALA LUMPUR: The Subang-Kelana elevated highway, scheduled for completion in two years, will serve as a fourth exit for some 75,000 cars leaving Subang Jaya and USJ areas daily, not to mention those from Puchong.

Subang Jaya has over 15,000 houses and USJ some 24,000.

Residents now use the Federal Highway, New Pantai Expressway and Elite Highway to get to their destinations.

The new highway has brought protests from a few residents.

Subang Jaya assemblyman Lee Hwa Beng said Subang Jaya residents who protested against the building of the highway should realise that it would benefit the majority of the people in the two areas.

“It would greatly benefit the thousands of residents who leave for work in the morning and return home in the evenings,” he said.

“This highway was proposed by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council and it would definitely help in easing the traffic congestion,” he said, adding that no houses or land were acquired for the construction of the highway.

The four-lane highway links the Kesas junction at Persiaran Kewajipan in Subang Jaya to the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah airport, passing the Subang Jaya Medical Centre, Mesiniaga building and exits at Glenmarie.

There is an elevated U-turn for those heading to Kuala Lumpur.

Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, who met residents and made a site visit on Thursday, said the concession agreement for the highway was signed on Feb 7, 2003 and work started in May this year.

“The residents had protested that the high sound barrier walls would affect their view but the Public Works Department had agreed to accommodate their request and reduce the height,” he said.

The Route


Driving 3021 kilometres through the middle of Australia requires some careful planning and route maps are the heart of the challenge.Route markers every kilometre, check points throughout the route and a couple of mountains, the challenge is a test for people and equipment.


http://www.wsc.org.au/image.php?274b2cf571d5b07703704d5cb3e64bfc


Official site (http://www.wsc.org.au)

go Suria kar 2!!

http://img28.echo.cx/img28/8563/suria2rt.jpg

Go Holden!!.....just kidding! :) :)

Roads To Be Closed For NAM Meeting
April 30, 2005 18:28 PM



KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Bernama) -- Several roads in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Kajang will be closed during certain hours for the Non-Aligned Movement Meeting on the Advancement of Women from May 7 to 10.

The roads to be affected are Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Raja Chulan/Bukit Bintang junction, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman/Sultan Ismail junction, Jalan Pahang to Jalan Mahameru, Jalan Parlimen to Jalan Damansara, Jalan Sungai Besi to the KL-Seremban Highway, Federal Highway heading to the Sungai Besi toll plaza, Kesas Highway to the Sungai Besi toll plaza and from Seremban to the Kajang toll plaza.

In Putrajaya and Kajang, the affected roads are South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE) from the junction of the Kajang toll plaza to Persiaran Persekutuan Putrajaya, Sungai Ramal to Putrajaya, Jalan Persiaran Kemajuan, Bangi and Jalan Kajang/Puchong to Putrajaya.

Bukit Aman traffic chief ACP II Datuk Gingkoi Seman Pancras said the road closure would be from 7.30am to 8.30am for road stretches from Jalan Bukit Bintang to the International Convention Centre in Putrajaya and to the Palace of the Golden Horses from 7pm to 7.45pm.

He said the roads would also be closed during the same times on May 5 for a trial run.

Gingkoi advised motorists from the east coast entering the city during the times of the road closure to use the Middle Ring Road II (MRRII) and Jalan Segambut/Jalan Pahang for those from Sentul and Jalan Ipoh.

Those coming from Jalan Rawang/Jalan Duta/Jalan Segambut are advised to use Jalan Kuching/Jalan Tun Perak, Segambut roundabout, Jalan Duta and Jalan Parlimen to enter the city.

Those from Ampang can use Jalan Tun Razak while motorists heading north from Jalan Cheras should use the Connought-Kerinchi Link to Jalan Duta.

Gingkoi said more than 500 police traffic personnel would be on duty to direct traffic on the affected days.

He said the Jalan Bandar Traffic Operations Room would be opened from tomorrow and motorists could call 03-20729718 and 03-20725821 for information on the road closure.

-- BERNAMA