KUCHING: Rural communities are already beginning to experience increased economic activity as the Pan Borneo Highway nears completion.
Saribas Muslim Association (Perwaris) chairman Dr Bolhan Budeng believes the Pan Borneo Highway will have a big bearing on Sarawak’s economy, particularly on rural communities.
Recently, there has been an increase in economic activity in rural communities and this is due to the opening of multiple stalls and new food shops,” he said.
“Before the Pan Borneo Highway existed, rural communities faced great challenges in marketing their products, especially agricultural, handicraft, and sea products.
“Some businesses in the cottage industry are now thriving thanks to good roads, indicating a promising future,” he told Suara Sarawak today.
He added that the completion of the Pan Borneo Highway also provides proper and better access for travellers by shortening travel time.
“This includes a comfortable travel experience for buses, public transport, freight and so on.
“Nonetheless, there are several things whiuch needs improvement for the safety of road users,” he said, pointing to street lights and signs.
“There is still a lack of signs along the road, be it direction signs, warning signs or information/interpretation signs.
“It is a common requirement for any highway or road because proper and complete signage will prevent traffic accidents.
“Traffic control signs are urgently needed in areas where there is a sudden reduction in the number of lanes, such as when three lanes become two or two lanes become one.
“Those who drive fast may not be aware of road lane changes including road detours, so speed limit signs need to be installed in the right and appropriate places along the road,” he said.
