High-level meeting focuses on alleviating traffic congestion in Miri, developing new bus terminal in Kapit

Lee (third left), Nanta (fifth right), and other officials in a group photo following the meeting.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 27: Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin paid a working visit to federal Minister of Works, Datuk Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, on June 25.

According to a press release, the meeting focused on the development of several key projects aimed at mitigating traffic congestion and enhancing road safety in Miri, alongside plans for a new bus terminal in Kapit.

The centerpiece of the discussion was the proposed T-junction with a smart traffic light system along Miri Bypass Road/Pan Borneo Highway.

The project has garnered strong support from the Minister of Works, who has committed to securing the necessary funds as soon as they become available.

The new junction is anticipated to significantly reduce the lengthy U-turn distances, thus alleviating traffic congestion in the area.

Lee also underscored the critical need for a flyover at the Kuala Baram/Sg Tujoh junction as part of the Trans Borneo upgrading project.

“This addition is essential for enhancing road safety, especially as the area is already facing heavy traffic to and from Brunei.

“It is expected to see heavy vehicle traffic increase from the industry sector following the completion of the dredging project in about two to three years’ time to deepen the Kuala Baram access channel at Miri Port.

“It was agreed that this proposed flyover project be included in the 13th Malaysia Plan,” the release stated.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the upgrading of Pujut 3 (GK Roundabout) Road from four lanes to six lanes, which will include a new traffic light junction.

Nanta confirmed that preliminary work allocation has been approved, and Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak is currently in the process of appointing a consultant for the project.

The Works Minister was briefed on the approved State RMK12 bus terminal project in Kapit. He suggested a new site for the terminal, which will be submitted for approval.

Accompanying Lee were the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Transport Sarawak, Datu Hee Sieng, and the ministry engineer. — DayakDaily