KAJANG, MALAYSIA: Residents of Bandar Mahkota Cheras and Sungai Long came out in full force yesterday to demonstrate against the closure of an access road near the Cheras-Kajang Highway.

The closure meant that motorists could no longer by-pass the Batu 11 toll plaza and they would have to pay the 90-sen ($0.40) toll.

The 500 residents and several representatives from Pakatan Rakyat had gathered at the access road junction as early as 2pm to stop Grand Saga, the highway's concessionaire, from closing the road.

The access road was closed by Grand Saga two years ago, but was reopened illegally by the residents on April 21 with the help of several Pakatan Rakyat representatives.

When Grand Saga sought to replace the barrier yesterday, residents fumed.

They said barricading the access road with concrete was inconsiderate as it inconvenienced motorists.

Police and Federal Reserve Unit personnel were present to control the situation, and they had cordoned off the entrance to Bandar Mahkota Cheras.

Despite police warnings, several protesters threw stones at the authorities and workers.

Kajang district police chief Assistant Commissioner Shakaruddin Che Mood said police arrested two residents for throwing stones and unruly behaviour during the demonstration.

Meanwhile, Selangor executive council member Ean Yong Hian Wah said residents had appealed to Grand Saga to reconsider its decision not to close the road, but there was no response, adding that he would apply for a court order to get Grand Saga to reopen the road.

Also present were Cheras member of parliament Tan Kok Wai and Serdang member of parliament Teo Nie Ching.