The one-way traffic system, implemented at two major locations in Cameron Highlands - at KM64 heading towards Brinchang and at KM65 towards Tanah Rata - is an important step to help reduce traffic congestion in the area, according to Cameron Highlands police chief DSP Hasadid A. Hamid.

He said although road congestion still occurred after the system was implemented three days ago, it only occurred on the Tanah Rata road heading towardsKea Farm.

"From observations made during this period, Cameron Highlands was experiencing additional traffic volume compared to normal working days.

"But it also showed a slight decrease compared to the situation before where the congestion occurred in both directions," he said in a media statement Sunday.

Recently, he released a statement on the implementation of the trial run of one-way traffic system on two major locations for a duration of one month from March 17 to April 16.

According to Hasadid, a full study would be conducted by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Public Works Department (PWD) and Cameron Highlands District Council (MDCH) during this trial period to determine its effectiveness.

He said the study of one-way traffic system was not only implemented during school holidays but it would include weekdays and weekends.

"The proposed trial run for one-way traffic system in Brinchang is the best alternative to help reduce congestion, especially during school holidays," he said.

He also did not deny the main cause of traffic congestion in Cameron Highlands was due to the businesscentrein Kea Farm which wasloactedon the main road.

He added that among steps taken to reduce traffic congestion includedMDCH's planto relocate the Kea Farm businesscentreto a new site complete with 200 parking lots; stationing policemen to monitor and to help ease the traffic flow from 8am to 9pm; increase road signages by PWD; and the relocation of the Brinchang night market to Sungai Ruil.

Hasadidsaid the implementation of one-way traffic was still in the trial stage and hoped for cooperation from the community in findingsolutionto this problem.

He also advised the public to not make speculation and consider the statement from Regional Environment Awareness Cameron Highlands (REACH) president R.Ramakrishnan in a local newspaper as unprofessional.

On Friday, Ramakrishnan was reported to have said that the residents were unhappy with the implementation of the one-way traffic system. - BERNAMA