MIRI, March 27: The Miri City Council (MCC) has appointed seven traffic wardens effective today in its efforts to ease street congestion and curb traffic violations in the city which is seeing rapid expansion.
Miri City Mayor Adam Yii, who launched the MCC Traffic Warden Task Force today, said that the appointments will enable these wardens to exercise powers under the Road Transport Act 1987 in facilitating traffic enforcement matters including over illegal parking.
“With the Traffic Warden Task Force formed, we hope this can improve the traffic flow in the city. Furthermore, we can also rely on them in other traffic control matters.
“The council, being the local authority, is now widely recognised and trusted as the agency capable of looking after areas under its jurisdiction. Moreover, it is being delegated with more powers to enforce their rules and regulations,” he said in a statement today.
As Miri City is progressing and expanding rapidly, Yii noted that traffic congestion problems, especially during peak hours, in the central business district, are inevitable.
“On many occasions, you will agree with me that traffic congestion is due to human factors, where some inconsiderate drivers park their cars indiscriminately or park in prohibited areas,” he said.
On the appointment of the new enforcement officers under the Road Transport Act, Yii expressed confidence in them in carrying out their duties diligently after undergoing a series of training sessions.
However, he reminded the officers to exercise the highest code of conduct in safeguarding the image of the Council.
“You must act calmly and impartially in any circumstance. We understand you will encounter a complicated situation, but if you take action with a proper mindset, the Council will back you up against any unreasonable or baseless accusations that you may receive,” he said.
Deputy Mayor Julaihi Mohamad and acting MCC secretary Abdul Rahman Taupek were among those present. — DayakDaily
