KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Territories Ministry, through Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), has banned heavy vehicles exceeding 7.5 tons from entering the city centre with immediate effect.

       Its deputy minister Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (pic) said the enforcement measure was decided on Tuesday (June 21) by a special committee looking into solutions, methods and actions to disperse traffic congestion in the capital.

       He said any heavy vehicle found entering the capital during peak hours will 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,” he told a press conference that was also attended by KL mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah after chairing the first meeting of the special committee here.

       Congestion in the city was also found to be due to a large increase in the number of vehicles after the easing of the movement control order since last August, with 46.76 million recorded in December last year compared to 26.51 million in December 2019.

       The committee also decided to ban vehicles from parking on the curb during peak hours and will be phasing out parking spots along 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 from the pavements of major roads,” he added. – Bernama