By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 12: Sarawak is strengthening its road network planning across the Kuching Division through the Integrated Traffic Master Plan 2030 to address traffic congestion arising from the rapid growth of residential areas and new developments, particularly in the outskirts of the city.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the plan involved using data analysis and traffic modelling simulations to anticipate future residential growth and ensure new developments were supported by adequate road infrastructure.
He said the Sarawak government had identified several road projects to improve connectivity between Kuching and its surrounding suburbs, including Batu Kawa, Petra Jaya, Samarahan, Siburan and Serian.
Abang Johari said more than RM207 million in State funding had been allocated for road improvements with the construction of Batu Kawa-Stephen Yong road to ease congestion caused by expanding residential developments.
“Batu Kawa project was part of a broader strategy to disperse traffic and open up new areas for housing and development, while ensuring they remained accessible to Kuching.
“Among the planned improvements is a new road linking Stephen Yong Road directly to the Pan Borneo Highway via Jalan Wee Boon Ping. Jalan Malihah, connecting Matang, will also be widened into a four-lane dual carriageway. These projects will help ease some of the traffic congestion in Batu Kawa,” he said after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony of the Batu Kawa-Stephen Yong road project at Moyan on Wednesday (Nov 11).
He noted that Batu Kawa was among the growing suburban areas being developed and connected to Kuching, alongside Jalan Song and Petra Jaya, as well as areas towards Samarahan.
He said Sarawak’s development planning extended to 2030, with traffic modelling simulations used to project future residential growth and determine the infrastructure needed to support it.
“We have data and a development plan extending to 2030. We conduct modelling simulations to project where new residential areas are likely to emerge and ensure that these developments are supported by proper road and traffic infrastructure,” he explained.
Abang Johari added that JKR already had a master plan identifying road infrastructure projects, including those in Batu Kawa.
Other planned connectivity improvements include a new road linking Siburan to Samarahan and another connecting Serian to Gedong.
He said developing alternative routes would help distribute traffic more evenly while opening up new areas for residential development closer to Kuching.
“These connections will help distribute traffic and open up new areas for development. By opening up new areas, we can accommodate expanding residential developments with convenient access to Kuching through proper infrastructure connections,” he said.
He added that further road connectivity was planned for Petra Jaya, which would eventually be linked to Jalan Matang, while Jalan FAC would provide access towards Kampung Telaga Air.
The Bako-Buntal corridor was also identified as an area with potential for future development, alongside plans to expand the Darul Hana settlement.
“The development of inner roads and circular routes would help reduce travelling distances within these expanding areas, with the aim of keeping journeys to around 30 minutes,” he said.
He acknowledged that developing new road infrastructure would take time, particularly in greenfield areas, but stressed that road access was essential to opening up new locations for development.
Earlier in his speech, Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak had conducted 60 preliminary traffic assessments across Kuching to identify congestion hotspots and determine the improvements needed.
He said the State government had also implemented several infrastructure projects to improve traffic flow in Kuching and Samarahan.
“Among the next major projects is the construction of a flyover at Mile 8 along the Kuching-Serian Road, where traffic congestion has become a major concern.
“Funding for the project has been approved by the federal government, and we are now in the tender process,” he said.
Uggah said JKR would continue conducting traffic studies and developing an integrated traffic modelling system covering Kuching and its surrounding areas.
He added that the department would undertake a further study and present its findings to the Premier, outlining proposed measures to improve traffic flow.
Uggah also pointed to the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system as another component that would help address traffic congestion.
“Our priority is to ensure that the projects implemented can reduce traffic congestion and deliver tangible benefits to road users,” he said.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Development Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo, and JKR Sarawak director Datu Dr Cassidy Morris were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
