Works to upgrade gravelled Jalan Kiong Tung finally underway after 20-year wait

Hussin (second left) handing over the project document to Nur Ezza witnessed by Chieng (in yellow shirt).

SIBU, Dec 14: After nearly two-decade of waiting, motorists can look forward to smoother rides on Jalan Kiong Tung here which is finally being raised and tar-sealed.

Residents in the area including other road users have been experiencing bumpy rides on this 672-metre gravel road.

Works to improve the road condition including culverts construction costing RM500,000 started today and it is expected to be completed before Chinese New Year celebration on Jan 22, 2023.

“I have put this road as my first priority under Bukit Assek Rural Transformation programme (RTP). This is my must-do project for the year,” Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng said during a site visit today.

Chieng recalled that the road was last tar-sealed some 20 years ago by the late Datuk Robert Lau Hui Chiew who was the then Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman and Sibu member of Parliament (MP).

“After the first resurfacing work, the council could not come in to redo the road except to fill it with gravel as it is a private road. Now we are going to start work and I must apologise for the delay,” he added.

Chieng emphasised that heavy vehicles weighing more than 50 tonnes will not be allowed to use the road.

“I will propose to the council to put up signs to disallow heavy vehicles from using this road as it is located in the residential area,” he said.

When completed, Chieng added that it will definitely benefit the parents whose children are studying in SMK St Elizabeth as well as other motorists as it served as a shortcut to Han’s Residence area and housing estate in Jalan Perpati.

During the site visit, Chieng witnessed the handing over of the project by SMC assistant engineer Hussin Onn to Hajjah Enterprise manager Nur Ezza Syafawami who is the contractor for the project. — DayakDaily