KUCHING: The installation of smart traffic light system and improvement of road junctions in Kampung Haji Baki will secure the traffic flow of more than 7000 residents of the area and its surroundings. The installation were graced by the Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian and Batu Kitang State Assemblyman, Lo Khere Chiang.
Dr Sim revealed that more than 30 smart traffic lights were installed by the Public Works Department (JKR), Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) and various agencies.
“The city have about 150 traffic lights, hopefully if we do it every year, in five years time all the traffic lights in Kuching will be smart traffic lights,” he said. He added that instead of waiting for government funding, they chose to install it every year with the respective agencies’ fundings. With the smart traffic light system, it would monitor the traffic flow which is connected to the control room and also as a crime watch to enhance the public safety.
Meanwhile, Lo revealed that the smart traffic light and improvement of road junction cost about half a million ringgit. “Although it is smart traffic light, the initial stages may have some inconveniences because the traffic consultant is still monitoring and trying to improve the facilities.
“The inconvenience in the sense of the traffic queue may be long initially but we will improve and the timing will be adjusted to suit the situation,” he said. Lo added that the traffic was very busy especially for people who want to turn into Haji Baki junction during peak hours.
“The people in Haji Baki have been waiting for many years and they are happy with the traffic light system,” he said. He hoped that the people would continue to support the existing government in the coming general election as there were a lot of improvement to be done.
“In fact, in the last DUN sitting, Serembu State Assemblyman, Miro Simuh and I have brought this up and Batu Kitang will be further upgraded into four lanes carriage way. “Hopefully, in a not distant future, this road will be improved as a part of a long term plan in this area,” disclosed Lo.
