KUCHING: Fifty-five out of 146 total traffic lights here have already been upgraded with a smart traffic light system, namely Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System (SCATS).
Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin said the biggest advantage of the SCATS system was its ability to reassign the green times for the vehicles in a versatile manner and in real time.
“For each cycle, the detectors at the stop-line measure the traffic volume and how closely packed the traffic is.
“Then, after analysing such data from each junction, the SCATS algorithm will then determine and assign the most suitable green times as based on calculated fairness,” he said.
He revealed this in a statement after visiting the Public Works Department (PWD) Traffic Command Centre at Mile 4 here on Wednesday (March 10).
Lee also said that by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into existing systems such as the traffic light, the machine would be able to learn from the environment and make its own decision to achieve optimum operations, such as reducing traffic congestions while also saving humans from such complex tasks.
“A preliminary study was carried out on pilot routes to evaluate the actual reduction in travel time after the upgrade, to assess the effectiveness of the smart traffic light system.
“The study included junctions at Jalan Green, Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Batu Kawa, Jalan Rock and Jalan Song.
“The average reduction achieved for the peak times is about 48 percent, which means that a 20 minute-trip will now only take 10 minutes,” he pointed out.
In relation to urban transport in Sarawak, Lee stressed the importance of public education and the need to raise awareness among the citizens on road safety as well as instilling fundamental driving habits to keep them, their passengers and other road users safe.
“In Sarawak, speed is still the biggest contributor to road collisions leading to deaths and injuries. Managing speed limits through enforcement, good infrastructure design and advanced mobility solutions should be the priority as a way forward to contribute towards efficient and safe transportation services in the state,” he stated.
During the visit, Lee was also briefed on the proposed way forward in respect to the future traffic development and management in Sarawak.
He thanked all who were involved, including his ministry, SMA, PWD, Resident, local authorities and ministries involved for working relentlessly towards the completion of the project.
Among those present during the event were the ministry’s permanent secretary Datuk Buckland Bangik, Kuching Resident Sherrina Hussaini, Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) project client representative Alexander Chu, Local Government and Housing Ministry (MLGH) Public Health Section head Dr Cheong Yaw Liang, Kuching Division PWD assistant divisional engineer Bong Yan Phing and a representative of superintending officer, Esty Mohd Yusuf.
