By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 12: Sarawak will enforce a ban on heavy vehicles on the roads during the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive season, aligning with existing practices in the State to ease traffic congestion and enhance road safety.
Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin emphasised that such restrictions have long been in place in Sarawak, particularly during major celebrations.
The Ministry of Transport (MOT) Sarawak will collaborate with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) Sarawak to implement the ban.
“JPJ Sarawak will issue a notice detailing the specific period during which heavy vehicles will not be permitted on the road,” Lee told a press conference on Road Safety Awareness in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive season at his office in Baitulmakmur Building today.
This follows the announcement by Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke on Tuesday (March 12) that similar restrictions will apply in Peninsula Malaysia on March 29-30 and April 5-6 to reduce congestion and minimise road accident risks caused by the mix of commercial and private vehicles.
In addition to the vehicle restrictions, an integrated operation will be conducted by relevant agencies from March 24 to April 8. The initiative aims to monitor and take action against traffic offenders, ensuring safer road conditions throughout the festive season.
On a related matter, Lee also highlighted the ministry’s commitment to improving road safety, stating that all fatal accidents will be reviewed in detail.
This follows a fatal accident involving a three-tonne truck and a MPV vehicle along Bintulu-Samalaju coastal road yesterday, which claimed three lives while five others were injured.
“We take road fatalities seriously and will assess reports from authorities to identify contributing factors before implementing necessary road improvements,” he said.
To reinforce road safety awareness, MOT Sarawak will distribute Green Packets (Sampul Duit Raya) for Hari Raya 2025, featuring colourful cartoon illustrations representing Sarawak’s diverse transportation modes, including AirBorneo, land, and riverine transport.
“The reverse side of the packets carries key road safety messages to remind the public of responsible road use during and beyond the festive season. These packets serve as both monetary gift carriers and tools for promoting road safety awareness within families and communities,” he added.
As part of its safety initiatives, MOT Sarawak, in collaboration with the Sarawak Road Safety Council, will launch a road safety campaign in Mukah on March 17. The campaign aims to distribute the Green Packets and promote safe driving practices to reduce accident risks during the busy travel period.
Lee reminded all road users that safety is a shared responsibility. “Follow traffic rules, avoid reckless driving, do not speed, and practice patience on the roads to ensure a safe journey for everyone,” he urged.
Also present at the press conference were Deputy Ministers of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil and Dato Henry Harry Jinep. — DayakDaily
