KUCHING: All road users have been reminded to observe strictly to traffic regulations and exhibit greater patience during the Hari Raya holiday.
The Sarawak Ministry of Transport said this is crucial in preventing accidents on the road.
“At the same time, we also welcome the Ops Bersepadu JPJ organised by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) aimed at increasing compliance with traffic regulations to promote safe driving during this upcoming Hari Raya celebration.
“This is in line with the objective of Sarawak Road Safety Council (MKJR) under the Ministry to promote road safety and reduce traffic accidents and fatalities,” it said in a statement.
The Op Bersepadu, it said, has identified seven major traffic offences that are non-compoundable, namely queue cutting, overtaking on a double line, disobeying a red traffic light, driving over the speed limit, using a mobile phone while driving, not wearing a seatbelt or helmet, and abuse of emergency lanes.
To ensure smooth traffic movement on the road during the Hari Raya celebration, goods-carrying vehicles are banned from using the roads for two days before Hari Raya (April 20 and 21) and two days after the festival (April 24 and 25).
There are three categories of heavy vehicles with varying ban periods – Category 1 is a full ban, Category 2 lorries are banned from midnight to 8am, and Category 3 construction vehicles are banned from 6pm to 6am within a 25 km radius.
The Ministry has also stated that heavy machinery, tow trucks, and tractors used for emergency operations will be exempted from the ban.
Additionally, any goods vehicle or vehicles with types of goods not specified in the banned list are allowed to use the vehicle during the prohibition period.
“These initiatives would help to create smooth traffic movement on the road as we anticipate huge volumes of traffic and vehicles as our people rush to their hometown to celebrate Hari Raya,” it added.
