To call it an Internet sensation would be an understatement; the scenic Jalan Temiang-Pantai has drawn visitors since it was in operation in August of 2021 but it has also attracted danger and negative attention.
Recently a group of Honda Civic owners found themselves in hot soup after organising a massive gathering where the cars were parked by the emergency lane of Jalan Temiang-Pantai. The gathering drew criticism online and caught the attention of the authorities, prompting members of the club to be called in for questioning.
From the latest post on FCCM’s Facebook page.
The group has since issued an apology on Facebook (posted yesterday but dated 22nd of January) but not without a little stir. The apology wrote “Salah tetap salah, tindakan pun telah di ambil. Permohonan maaf telah dibuat. Terima kasih netizen”.
Ironically, the post was accompanied by a video of yet another gathering but it’s unknown if the video was taken prior to or after the controversial gathering.
From an observer’s point of view, it may not be the smartest move and generally speaking, the cops are now starting to take offense (literally) on such gatherings.
According to Sinar Harian, PDRM has issued 48 summons so far for traffic offenses committed along Jalan Temiang-Pantai and according to the Negeri Sembilan Police Chief, Datuk Mohamad Mat Yusop, the most frequent offense committed was parking along the emergency lane for pictures and gatherings.
According to the Police Chief, it’s fine to take pictures but the public is not allowed to park on the emergency lane to the point where it disrupts traffic. The Police Chief also noted that it is not illegal for the public to jog or cycle on that road, as long as it does not obstruct traffic.
Fair enough, but it’s a little contradictory, don’t you think?
How would someone take pictures of the scenery if they did not stop their vehicles by the roadside – which in this case – on the emergency lane?
Those who have been there would know that there isn’t a proper place to park nearby the scenic spots and no Malaysian would entertain the idea of walking – not even for 100 likes on Instagram.
Call it a hype, or a farce but the extent of the problem has even prompted the Negeri Sembilan authorities to request for the Malaysian government to build car parks along Jalan Temiang-Pantai, according to an article by Utusan Malaysia.
