KUALA LUMPUR: Motorcycles are now allowed on the Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (Akleh).

Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed said this was the second highway opened to motorcyclists this month, after the Maju Expressway, previously known as Kuala Lumpur-Putrajaya Highway, on June 5.

He said the decision was made after much consideration on the recent fuel hike that has caused the people, especially the low-income group, to opt for motorcycles as their means of transport.

"The move was part of the Government's initiatives to help the people in facing the global oil crisis and the increased cost of living," he said in a statement yesterday.

Mohd Zin also hoped the highway concessionaire, as well as the police, would conduct continuous and strict monitoring on the highway to prevent it from being abused, especially for illegal racing.

The 7.4km Ampang-Kuala Lumpur elevated highway was opened to traffic in May 2001, and is managed by Projek Lintasan Kota Sdn Bhd