Underpass, new routes among options to ease Jln Matang traffic congestion, says DPM

KUCHING (Jan 31): Several measures are being planned to ease traffic congestion along Jalan Matang, including road upgrading works, new alternative routes and the possible introduction of smart traffic management systems at key intersections, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof.

He said the first phase would focus on upgrading existing road infrastructure, particularly at critical bottlenecks such as the Emart Matang roundabout.

“One of the main bottlenecks is at the Emart Matang roundabout. Previously, we proposed for the Public Works Department (JKR) to conduct a study to determine whether an underpass should be built or whether the roundabout should be converted into a signalised intersection,” the Petra Jaya MP told reporters after the Chinese New Year contributions handover ceremony at Dewan SUPP here.

He added that the matter is still under JKR’s evaluation.

Fadillah also revealed plans for a new alternative road linking the Tan Sri Sulaiman Daud Bridge to the Matang area, estimated to be about two kilometres long, which would provide motorists with more route options to help ease congestion.

In addition, he said an internal road — envisioned as part of a coastal road along the river — is also being considered.

While road upgrading works are continuously being implemented, he acknowledged that traffic congestion is an unavoidable reality in growing urban areas.

“This reflects that our economy is improving, people can afford to own vehicles, and the number of vehicles continues to increase.

“No matter how many roads we build, if the number of vehicles keeps increasing, congestion will still happen,” he said.

As such, Fadillah stressed the need to complement physical infrastructure with technology, expressing hope that the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) would explore the use of smart traffic light systems and other technological solutions to improve traffic flow.

He added that effective traffic management would also require close cooperation with enforcement agencies such as the police, as well as responsible road user behaviour.

Meanwhile, during the Chinese New Year contributions handover ceremony, a total of 150 recipients received financial assistance amounting to RM42,000.

Also present was the Chief Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier and Tupong assemblyman Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.