MIRI: The state government will begin upgrading the traffic light systems here soon as part of their effort to reduce traffic congestion, especially in urban areas.
This was revealed by Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin yesterday after chairing a meeting on the matter.
“We will come up with an integrated traffic master plan to relieve traffic congestions,” he said, adding that his ministry would also like to study Miri’s road management plan.
“The last time a study on road management was conducted was in 1997. It is outdated, we need to come up with new approach and master plan,” he pointed out.
Lee added the initiative was necessary because Miri had been chosen as the Smart City pilot project in Sarawak, as announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg recently.
Lee said for a start, the city’s aging traffic lights had to be upgraded.
The ministry would also introduce an integrated road management system to address the city’s traffic conditions and to improve commuting.
“We want a more structured and systematic urban traffic system,” he said.
Also present at the meeting were Miri District Officer Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof and representatives from the Miri Road Transport Department (JPJ), Miri traffic police and Miri Public Works Department (JKR).