‘Build sound barriers to block noise from vehicles on expressway ramp’

RESIDENTS of Alam Damai Merawan in Kuala Lumpur are having sleepless nights due to loud noises of vehicles revving up the ramp leading to Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway (SUKE).

They want highway concessionaire Projek Lintasan Kota Holdings Sdn Bhd (Prolintas) to build sound barriers to reduce the noise.

Sathiya: Residents suffering from noise pollution due to lack of sound barriers.Alam Damai Merawan Residents’ Association (RA) committee member Sathiya Narayana, 58, said Prolintas should instal sound barriers at parts of the highway closest to the houses.

“Motorists usually accelerate when going up the ramp and it is noisy,” he said.

“Residents can hear the sound and this is disrupting our sleep.”

Sathiya said it was strange that sound barriers had been installed at the top part of the highway but not along the ramp.

“I do not understand why there is no sound barrier along the ramp,” he said, adding that residents living next to the ramp were badly affected.

Another RA committee member, Basil Khan, 68, said motorcycles, lorries and vans made the most noise.

Khan: Motorcyclists racing on the highway made loud engine noises after midnight.“Whenever these vehicles go up the ramp, there is a loud engine sound,” he said.

“Sometimes, we hear the noise after midnight because motorcyclists are racing on the highway.”

RA deputy chairman Abdul Shukor Othman, 63, said the association had written to Prolintas in July but had not received any feedback.

“We hope the management team will listen to our plight and instal sound barriers,” he added.

Prolintas, in a statement, said an appropriate number of sound barriers had been installed along the highway.

“This includes the Taman Len Seng area where noise level assessments have been carried out.

“The results are in compliance with the Department of Environment (DOE) guidelines on noise limits.

“We value the feedback from our community and strive to take necessary measures to provide the highest quality of highway service for the safety of our highway users.

“For feedback and clarification, the public can call 1-800-22-8888,” the statement said.