KUCHING, May 30: State Reform Party Sarawak (STAR) president Lina Soo is calling for a ban on heavy vehicles on Sarawak’s roads during the pre- and post-Gawai Dayak period.
She expressed shock and anguish over the tragic accident along Bintulu-Miri Road yesterday, where three people died and seven were seriously injured.
As the accident involved a lorry, Soo asked why there was no ban on heavy vehicles such as trailers, trucks and containers travelling along Sarawak roads during the Gawai festive season.
“I believe there is a ban on heavy vehicles for Hari Raya, namely on June 8 to 9, whereas no such ruling is in place for the Gawai season,” said Soo in a statement today.
She admitted that accidents do happen, but she held the view that if the ban on heavy vehicles had been in place during Gawai, the impact would have been prevented or less severe in the event of an accident.
“I call upon JPJ (Road Transport Department) to impose a ban on heavy vehicles on Sarawak roads during Gawai period, from May 20 to 31 and June 3 to 4,” said Soo.
Meanwhile, Soo cried foul over airlines taking advantage of the festive season to squeeze extra profits out of their passengers. She claimed air tickets along the Kuching-Kuala Lumpur sector could be as high as RM1,300 one way during the Gawai festive season.
Meanwhile, JPJ Sarawak, when contacted, said it could not comment on Soo’s call.
“The ban on heavy vehicles during Hari Raya was set by Putrajaya headquarters,” said a JPJ spokesperson. — DayakDaily
