By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, May 14: Relevant agencies have been urged to urgently expedite the installation of streetlights along the southern access road (Bukit Berangan–Kota Samarahan) leading to Kuching International Airport (KIA), following growing safety concerns after a rise in night-time accidents attributed to poor visibility.
Stakan assemblyman Datuk Hamzah Brahim said the lack of a comprehensive lighting system along the strategic route poses significant risks to motorists, particularly during night travel.
Debating the motion of thanks on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri’s (TYT) address at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting today, he said immediate intervention is needed to improve road safety.
“The dark conditions at night have contributed to an increase in accidents. Limited visibility is a critical concern, especially for such a strategic route,” he said in the august House.
Hamzah urged the relevant ministry to treat the matter as a priority, stressing that public safety must remain paramount in infrastructure planning and maintenance.
He also raised concerns over long-standing water supply issues affecting residents in Taman Samarindah, proposing the construction of a temporary water tank as an interim measure.
While noting that the Samarindah Elevated Water Tank project is currently at the contractor appointment stage, he said the process should be expedited to ensure residents’ daily water needs are adequately met.
In addition, Hamzah called for the construction of a second access road in Kota Samarahan, citing worsening congestion as more than 5,000 homes currently depend on a single main route.
“I urge the government to expedite the study and allocation for the construction of a second access road to meet sustainable urban planning standards and safeguard the wellbeing of residents,” he said.
He stressed that Kota Samarahan’s persistent traffic congestion must be addressed through more forward-looking and innovative urban planning, including the development of additional road networks to improve connectivity and reduce reliance on existing routes.
Hamzah also called for a comprehensive long-term flood mitigation plan for the Mile 12 and Mile 13 stretches along the Kuching–Serian Road, where recurring flash floods have caused significant losses to residents and small businesses.
“We need modern drainage infrastructure solutions to protect the local economy so that the people will no longer continue bearing avoidable damage costs,” he added. — DayakDaily
