A motorcycle accident in George Town has gone viral online, but the incident has also sparked a separate debate over restaurants placing tables and chairs along the roadside.
The crash happened at around 9pm on Oct 5, according to a video circulating on Facebook. The footage showed a pedestrian checking both sides before crossing the road, but after reaching the middle, he was struck by a motorcycle travelling at speed.
The impact sent the motorcyclist tumbling onto the road. He was later seen getting back on his feet, while the pedestrian remained lying on the road and did not immediately get up. Nearby members of the public rushed over to check on them, while a patrol car arrived less than a minute after the crash.
Roadside tables raise safety concerns
While many netizens discussed the accident itself, others turned their attention to the tables and chairs placed along the roadside in the area.
Some pointed out that the road is a busy route and has yellow lines, yet businesses have placed tables and chairs close to the road for customers to dine. They questioned whether such arrangements could pose an additional safety risk if a vehicle were to lose control and crash into diners.
One netizen questioned why the city authorities would allow businesses to place tables and chairs on the road, saying the setup was dangerous and could potentially result in a fatal accident.
Another commenter said the issue was not unique to Penang, claiming similar situations could be seen in other areas where roads were already narrow but businesses still occupied roadside spaces with tables and chairs. The commenter also questioned why some parking spaces appeared to be occupied by businesses during the day but were available again later, asking whether the spaces were officially rented out or whether enforcement was being applied inconsistently.
At the same time, some netizens said the motorcyclist should have been travelling more carefully, while pedestrians also need to remain alert when crossing busy roads.
The discussion has prompted calls for the Penang Island City Council to step up inspections and look into roadside tables and chairs, particularly in areas where vehicles and pedestrians share limited space.
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