New RM1.8 mln car parks at SMK Pujut, SK Senadin to ease traffic congestion

MIRI (March 5): SMK Pujut and SK Senadin have each received newly completed car park facilities which are now being utilised by parents.

Sarawak Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin said both projects were developed under his initiative with an allocation of RM1.8 million, aimed at providing proper parking facilities while reducing traffic congestion along the roads serving the two adjacent schools.

“With the completion of these car park projects, I urge parents to make full use of the parking spaces to ensure there is no congestion at the entrance and exit roads here, and to stop parking along the roadside,” he said when officiating at the opening of the new SMK Pujut car park near Senadin here on Tuesday.

Lee said he had received numerous complaints from residents in the surrounding area regarding traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.

“With the completion of both projects, I hope there will no longer be complaints about traffic congestion.

“Please make use of these parking facilities,” he added.

The new SMK Pujut car park provides 160 parking bays for cars and 40 motorcycle bays for students, making it the largest school car park in the area.

However, Lee said the project is not yet fully completed as he plans to construct a roof over the student waiting area to ensure comfort during hot and rainy weather.

“We still have a remaining RM200,000 from the allocation applied for, and I will prioritise building a roof over this waiting area.

“It is our current priority,” he said, urging Miri City Council (MCC), the implementing agency, to prepare a design and cost estimate for the structure.

Lee added that he also intends to extend the roof along the pedestrian walkway for about 400 metres from the waiting area to the school building.

“If the remaining allocation is insufficient, I will look into obtaining additional funds to cover it.

“But first, we will prioritise building the roof over this waiting area,” he said.

As for the SK Senadin car park, Lee said the project has been officially handed over to the school by MCC as the implementing agency.

“At SK Senadin, 108 additional car parking bays have been provided.

“We have also constructed a new exit route to ease traffic congestion at the main junction in this area,” he said.

Lee called on the school authorities of both SMK Pujut and SK Senadin to cooperate in organising traffic flow more systematically, including securing the cooperation of parents.

“I hope with the cooperation of all parties, the rather serious traffic congestion in this area can be reduced, especially during peak hours,” he said.

He also urged the council to improve road signage and clarify road markings in the area.

“We also propose the creation of a zebra crossing for students crossing the road to ensure the safety of all road users, particularly students and parents,” Lee added.