By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Jan 31: Plans are underway to build a new alternative road from Tan Sri Sulaiman Daud Bridge to Jalan Matang to ease traffic congestion, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof.
Speaking to reporters after a Chinese New Year contribution ceremony for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (OKU) at the SUPP Matang Sungai Tengah Multipurpose Hall today, he shared details of the planned improvements.
“There are several measures we plan to implement along Jalan Matang. The first phase will focus on upgrading works. One of the main bottlenecks is the roundabout near Emart. Previously, we proposed that the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) study whether to build an underpass or convert it into a signalised intersection.
“This study is still at the JKR planning stage, and once finalised, we will move forward with it,” he said.
He also added that Jalan Matang will be connected to Jalan Persekutuan with inner roads along the river, while an access road from Tan Sri Sulaiman Daud Bridge will provide several alternative routes.
Fadillah said the distance from the bridge to Matang is around two kilometres, with precise measurements available from JKR.
However, he noted that cities will always face traffic congestion unless solutions like the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) and other alternatives are implemented.
“If we look at cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor and others, all experience traffic congestion. This reflects that our economy is improving. The people’s ability to own vehicles increases the number of vehicles on the road. When vehicle numbers increase, congestion will still occur,” he said.
He also urged the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) and Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) to adopt technology such as smart traffic lights, noting that Kuching’s many intersections make bottlenecks inevitable.
Fadillah said traffic management must take a holistic approach, combining infrastructure upgrades, technology systems, and road user behaviour, with support from the police. He highlighted that traffic congestion could be eased if drivers are disciplined, adding that roadside parking to buy from vendors often causes bottlenecks.
“These are the things we need to look at comprehensively. Therefore, we must work closely with local councils and the Padawan Municipal Council to review the entire system,” he said. — DayakDaily
