MPSP news

Friday April 22, 2011
MPSP revs up for a new roleStar

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Some 20 traffic control officers from the Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) will hit the streets today to guide traffic in congested Seberang Prai areas.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the officers were given auxiliary police power under the council’s bylaws, which included issuing summonses to errant motorists who parked haphazardly and caused congestion.

“These officers are not replacing the duty of traffic policemen. They will instead assist them in ensuring smoother traffic flow in those areas.

“The officers, who would wear new uniforms, comprised 10 security officers and 10 auxiliary policemen from the council,” he said after introducing the council’s traffic control service at its headquarters in Bandar Perda yesterday.

Lim said the officers would be stationed in the state government’s park-and-ride area in Bandar Sunway as well as car parks in markets, council-run hawker centres and venues.

“The officers, who will work between 8.30am and 5pm, will also help out during state and council-organised events and dinners,” he said, adding that the Penang Municipal Council would set up a similar team of traffic control officers next month.

Lim mooted the idea of forming traffic control units when he was caught in a traffic snarl along the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway while on board a Rapid Penang bus after launching the Bridge Express Shuttle Transit free park-and-ride system in Seberang Jaya on March 1.