Govt to address issues affecting Miri-Bintulu coastal road – Julaihi
MIRI: The state government will study the best ways to improve the Miri-Bintulu coastal road towards facilitating road users better and avoiding unnecessary accidents as much as possible.
Assistant Minister of Coastal Road Datuk Julaihi Narawi, who conducted an inspection on a section of the coastal road here yesterday, said the main purpose of the site visit was to study the stretch between Miri and Niah, as well as to identify issues that had been reported before.
“Among these issues are regarding the small road shoulder, which could pose danger to road users along this single- carriageway and the Miri JKR ( Public Works Department) divisional engineer is also here to assess the real situation on-site.
“There are also several dangerous spots and junctions that need to be addressed. We are taking this matter seriously (and strive) to find the best solution,” he said.
Julaihi also noted that the traffic volume along the road is quite heavy, where it not only caters to ordinary cars but also heavy vehicles, in that it can make travelling time to and from Bintulu shorter.
“Therefore, I see a need to upgrade and repair this road in the future, in that it is also the key alternative road apart from the Pan Borneo Highway,” he said.
Asked on street lighting and setting-up of rest-and-rejuvenate stops ( R& R) along the coastal road, Julaihi said the matter is
Among these issues are regarding the small road shoulder, which could pose danger to road users along this singlecarriageway and the Miri JKR (Public Works Department) divisional engineer is also here to assess the real situation on-site. Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Assistant Minister of Coastal Road
being discussed.
“For street lighting, it is under the jurisdiction of the council of a particular area, so I urge the related party to take note of this matter and take action.
“On the R& R, it is a requirement for road users to rest, or to repair their vehicles. If there’s any space for the R& R to be set up, I believe it would be a good thing to do. At the same time, we have to look at the needs of the villagers from the surrounding areas as well,” he said.
Julaihi also spent some time visiting the near- completed Sungai Sibuti bridge, meant to provide safe and easy access for vehicles and pedestrians commuting between Kampung Rambai and Bekenu town.
The assistant minister was accompanied by Lambir assemblyman Ripin Lamat, Subis District Officer Husini Bakir, political secretaries to the chief minister Sharkawi Suhaili and Julani Mokhtar, Miri JKR divisional engineer Chong Chi Fam, Councillor Anuar Ahmad, as well as key representatives of the Infrastructure Development and Transportation Ministry and Miri Resident Office.