KUCHING, July 29: The road closure from Jalan Batu Kitang leading to the 7th Mile traffic light junction is in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19 from the affected villages in the area into the city.
Padawan Municipal Council (PMC) chairman Lo Khere Chiang explained that the lockdown was a practical thing to do because there are many roads leading in and out of Kampung Bumbok, which is also linked with Batu Kitang Lama, and the housing estates in the area.
“Yes, we have closed down the Batu Kitang road and caused inconvenience to many road users. If we do not take such drastic decision as we did, we are taking a big risk and we may allow the spread of Covid-19 to the whole of Kuching,” he told reporters during a virtual press conference held after chairing the council meeting via Zoom today.
He was responding to an issue highlighted by Michael Kong, who is a special assistant to Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chief Chong Chieng Jen, regarding the road closure from Jalan Batu Kitang to 7th Mile traffic light junction yesterday (June 28).
Lo pointed out that motorists such as lorry drivers can still use other routes to reach their destination; such as Jalan Stephen Yong, and this includes business premises such as coffee shops and many others along the way, as they too can still operate their business.
“We have to be safe and strict about this matter, and I am doing all this in the best interest of the population in Kuching,” he added. — DayakDaily
