MIRI: The local Ministry of Transport (MOT), is initiating the process to formulate Miri Urban Transport Action Plan, which is expected to commence very soon once the appointment of consultant is finalised.
This was disclosed by its minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin on Monday during the opening of Transport-Awareness Behavioural change (ABC) programme in Miri.
“This plan outlines development strategies, policy direction, legislations, implementation framework, programmes and projects to ensure efficient urban transportation system for Miri City,” Lee pointed out.
He added, through this plan, the ministry is expected to undertake transport planning for Miri in a more holistic approach, taking into consideration of the urban economy, environment sustainability, stakeholders’ requirement and the Sarawak’s overall development direction.
“At the same time, we will be looking into the modernisation of bus fleet in Miri through some injection from the government, my ministry is still developing the right business model to be implemented in Miri,” Lee disclosed.
On yesterday’s programme which attended by 200 participants from both federal and state agencies, community leaders as well as the involvement of education institutions, councillors and teachers, Lee said, the programme (ABC programme) was intended to drive road safety awareness and road users behavioural change in a comprehensive way, and at the same time encouraging the usage of public transport.
“Through the ABC programme, we aim to change the way people behave on the road, change the unwanted behaviours that contributed to traffic congestion, inappropriate parking, dangerous acts, risky driving, road bullying and many more,” he told the crowds.
Lee said, that through this ABC Programme, his ministry’s first approach undertaking is to create awareness among the road users on the importance of ‘good behaviour’ on the road, in order to create safe road for everyone and ease traffic congestion.
Earlier, Miri mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang cum Pujut assemblyman said that the City Council (MCC) is fully aware of the congestion along roads within the city centre.
“We are fully aware on the issues, and of course, pick up and drop offs of school children often cause congestion in these areas,” he said.
“We cannot put the blame totally on parents or teachers or students for the congestion. Some part of it is caused by some irresponsible people that are parking irresponsibly, sometime doing double or triple parking, which choke the road,” Yii explained.
He gave assurance that the city council will continue to beef up its efforts to tackle the congestion issue in the city.
“Nevertheless, everyone must play their part in addressing and solving the problems,” he pointed out.
Also present were permanent secretary to the Sarawak Ministry of Transport Datuk Ir. Alice Jawan Empaling , Resident Miri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusuf and Cr Jeffery Phang.
