By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Apr 26: Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman has requested the Sarawak government to build an underpass at Matang Jaya to improve traffic flow once the upgrading and widening of Jalan Matang is completed.
Fazzrudin told reporters this when met during his Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house today at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sarawak in Petra Jaya, Kuching.
“I have requested that the government implement another underpass project similar to the Petra Jaya underpass in order to alleviate traffic congestion.
“This is my intention once the Jalan Matang expansion project is completed. We made a request to the government and received a positive response,” he explained.
Fazzrudin pointed out that one of the issues in Tupong constituency is the traffic congestion along Jalan Matang, and that the government had approved the expansion project in 2019 but it failed to be completed.
Fazzrudin, who is also the Chief Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, clarified that a new contractor for the Jalan Matang expansion project was appointed earlier this year, and that work is currently underway to prepare for the expansion of Jalan Matang.
“According to the Public Works Department (JKR), they are experiencing some difficulties during the implementation process because the utility cable route must be relocated first.
“This will take time, but they have begun the process of taking over the cables in stages.
“I was also assured that the contractors involved would work with Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy) and the Kuching Water Board (KWB) to ensure the smooth transfer of utilities in affected areas and the successful completion of the road expansion project,” he added.
Fazzrudin expected that once the road is finished, traffic will flow smoothly from Matang to the Emart roundabout.
When asked about the cost, he replied: “I am uncertain about the cost, but I believe there is an increase due to the rising cost of goods.
“What matters is that the new contractor has been appointed and has begun work. I am also grateful to JKR because the road was previously dark, and temporary lights have been installed to ensure the safety of road users.” — DayakDaily
