By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 23: A new P-Turn will be constructed just 500 metres from the Jakar town junction, easing traffic woes and significantly improving access to the Sarikei town centre for local residents.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the decision to construct a new P-Turn was made in response to residents’ concerns about the considerable distance of the existing P-Turn, which is located approximately one kilometre away, according to a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report.
The move follows a request by Sarikei MP and Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii, who had earlier proposed the installation of traffic lights in the area to address the issue.
“Instead of installing traffic lights — which the Ministry of Works (KKR) has deemed unsuitable — we are now constructing a new P-Turn to better serve the community,” Uggah told reporters during a working visit to the Pan Borneo Highway project site in Jakar, Sarikei, yesterday (March 22).
He expressed hope that the new P-Turn would be completed in tandem with the full opening of the route, expected by April.
Uggah also urged for the timely completion of the Pan Borneo Jakar road construction project to ensure smooth traffic flow.
“I have been informed that part of this dual-carriageway will be opened on March 25, ahead of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, with the remaining portion to follow in April,” he added.
Meanwhile, Uggah, who is also Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, called on all divisional disaster management committees to remain on high alert in light of unpredictable weather patterns and the threat of flooding.
“We must not underestimate the possibility of flooding due to sudden heavy rainfall,” he said, stressing the importance of preparedness in terms of equipment, logistics, and manpower.
Commenting on recent floods affecting several parts of Sarawak, Uggah noted that the incident at the Durin Bridge was unprecedented.
Also present during the site visit were Huang, Pakan assemblyman Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom, Sarikei Divisional Resident Datu Michael Ronnie Langgong, and Sarikei Deputy Resident Badjuri Bidin. — DayakDaily
