By DayakDaily Team
JELUKONG, Aug 4: Sufficient Rest & Service Areas (RSAs) must be developed along the Pan Borneo Highway to meet the practical needs of road users and provide safe, comfortable and convenient facilities for motorists undertaking long-distance journeys, said Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.
He stressed that the Pan Borneo Highway serves as Sarawak’s main transport corridor, and the availability of well-planned RSAs plays an important role in promoting road safety while supporting the efficiency of logistics and land transport services across the State.
Lee made the remarks during a visit yesterday to the Rest & Service Area (RSA) at Jelukong along the Pan Borneo Highway, where he was briefed by officers from the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak on the existing facilities, maintenance and operations of the facility.
During the visit, the Minister inspected the overall layout and facilities available at the Jelukong RSA, while exchanging views with officers on potential improvements to further enhance users’ comfort, convenience and safety.
He also encouraged road users to make full use of RSAs and layby facilities by taking regular breaks during their journeys to reduce fatigue and ensure safer travel.
“Driver fatigue remains one of the contributing factors to road accidents, particularly on long-distance routes.
“I encourage all road users, especially those travelling long distances, to stop and rest whenever they feel tired instead of continuing their journey. A short rest can go a long way in preventing accidents and ensuring everyone arrives safely at their destination,” he said in a statement today.
The visit follows the Ministry of Transport Sarawak’s (MOTS) recent engagement session with transport industry stakeholders on the planning and enhancement of RSAs and layby facilities along the Pan Borneo Highway.
Lee said MOTS will continue to work closely with JKR Sarawak and other relevant agencies to ensure RSAs along the Pan Borneo Highway remain safe, functional and well maintained, contributing towards a safer, more efficient and comfortable road transport network for all road users in Sarawak. — DayakDaily
