By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Oct 6: A concrete curb has been built along Jalan Tun Razak to prevent vehicles from Jalan Chawan cutting across the road to reach Jalan Dato Bandar to get to Kenyalang Park.
The decision was made following several accidents at the location.
Initially, Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) put up flexible delineator posts, plastic road barriers and road safety cones to deter motorists from making the risky cut.
This effort however was undermined when within four hours of setting up, some road users decided to run over or remove the flexible delineator posts and other deterrents placed by Sarawak JKR.
In response, JKR constructed a concrete curb to replace the flexible delineator posts.
According to a press release, earlier today, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng and councillor Kho Teck Wan inspected the stretch of road.
According to Kho, the building of the concrete curb would just be a temporary measure to ensure road users’ safety as there is a bigger plan in store for the area where an access road will eventually be built to link Jalan Chawan to Kenyalang Park.
“JKR eventually will build an access road from Chawan to Kenyalang as a permanent solution. Because it costs a bit of money, I think they are now looking for funding. We will leave it to JKR who will make the proposal,” said Kho.
Meanwhile, Wee said based on several videos of accidents he has watched, he was quite certain that it is a risky decision for motorists coming from Jalan Chawan to cut across Jalan Tun Razak to reach Jalan Dato Bandar.
“The concrete curb has been set up for safety reasons. Please don’t think negative but take it positively,” said Wee.
He noted motorists can easily get to Jalan Dato Bandar from Jalan Chawan by using the Simpang Tiga Roundabout.
Adding that safety may come at the expense of some inconveniences, he called on road users to bear with them for the time being before the permanent solution can be put in place.
“It may cost you another five to 10 minutes more but it will save lives. So please do so,” said Wee.
He said MBKS and all government departments such as JKR see public safety as top priority and that any decision made is in the best interest of the public.
“There are already too many accidents,” said Wee. — DayakDaily
