KUCHING, Sept 9: In conjunction with the state level Malaysia Day celebration on Sept 16, several roads in the city leading to Padang Merdeka where the celebration is to be held, will be closed and diverted.
The Kuching District Police Chief ACP Awang Din Awang Gani announced in a statement today that the full road closure will begin at 4pm on Sept 16 to make way for the celebration scheduled at 7pm.
The affected roads would be Gambier Street near the public toilet, the junction to Gambier Street, Jalan Wawasan, Jalan Main Bazaar from Wayang Street, Wayang Street from Ban Hock Road near St Mary’s school, McDougall Road from Jalan Ban Hock near St Mary’s school, and the traffic light junction near RTM office to Padang Merdeka.
“Members of the public wanting to participate and join the celebration are encouraged to use public transportation like buses, taxis, Grab, Mycar and other e-hailing services.
“However those who would be using their own vehicles are advised to park at Medan Pelita, Bangunan Saujana, Baitulmal open space car park, Kuching Amphitheater, Reservoir Park, St Thomas’ Cathedral compound and Padang Pasir roundabout,” said ACP Awang.
On Sept 12 to 14, rehearsals will be held at Padang Merdeka where some of the affected roads would also be closed and diverted beginning at 7pm.
ACP Awang added that on Sept 10 and 11 there will also be a special rehearsal by some arts bodies and affected roads will be closed and diverted beginning at 10pm.
“The McDougall exit and entry junction has been closed since Sept 5 till Sept 15 for the setting up of the main VVIP stage and canopy. Road users wanting to go through the road are advised to go through Wayang Street, unless they need to go to St Thomas’ Cathedral, St Mary’s schools and St Thomas’ schools.
“A U-turn can be made before the VVIP stage and canopy,” he said.
He also advised road users to plan their route beforehand, and always obey the signage put up by the authorities on the road closures and diversions, as well as the instructions given by the police manning the blocks.
He said the police and other enforcement agencies would not hesitate to take action against those who disobey the instructions or found to be violating the rules.
For further information or queries call the Police Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department at 082-221127 or 082-221129 during office hours. — DayakDaily
