A Singapore-registered car was spotted at Aeon Mall Bukit Indah in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, parked on the pavement under a shelter and next to a zebra crossing to drop off a passenger amidst heavy rain. The incident, which occurred on 24 September 2024, was captured on video and submitted to Fathership.
Background
The video shows the car, a Hyundai, blocking the path of pedestrians who were waiting in the area during the rain. A passenger with a white umbrella can be seen alighting from the vehicle. This incident highlights ongoing issues with motorists disregarding pedestrian rights at zebra crossings, a problem not unique to Malaysia but also prevalent in Singapore.
Pedestrian inconvenience
Pedestrians were visibly inconvenienced by the car’s position, as they had to navigate around the vehicle to continue on their way. This is not the first time such an incident has occurred; similar cases have been reported in both Malaysia and Singapore, where drivers fail to respect pedestrian crossings.
Previous incidents
In April 2024, a 12-year-old girl was hospitalised after being knocked down by a car at a pedestrian crossing outside Bukit View Secondary School in Singapore. The accident took place at about 7:05 am on Bukit Batok Street 21. Similarly, in June 2024, a car failed to give way to a pedestrian outside Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, prompting public outrage.
Mall management response
Fathership has reached out to the management of Aeon Mall Bukit Indah for comment on the incident. As of now, there has been no official response. The mall’s management is expected to address the issue, considering the safety concerns it raises for both pedestrians and drivers.
Broader implications
This incident underscores the need for stricter enforcement of traffic rules at pedestrian crossings. It also highlights the importance of public awareness regarding pedestrian rights and the responsibilities of drivers. Future measures could include increased signage, better road markings, and more rigorous penalties for violations to ensure pedestrian safety.
By addressing these issues, both Malaysia and Singapore can work towards creating safer environments for pedestrians, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring that public spaces are accessible to all.
