Dennis: Be extra careful driving along logging roads
MIRI: Motorists are advised to be well prepared before embarking on any journey along logging roads and to always be cautious throughout the way.
In particular, Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau cautions those who are not regular off- road drivers or unfamiliar with the logging road system or condition across his constituency.
“It is even more pressing to take such measures at this time of the year, when it rains almost every day – making the logging roads very slippery and dangerous.
“One should be very cautious when driving in Telang Usan at all times. During the dry spell, it is a different challenge – the roads are very dusty and this may impair visibility.
“Currently, some of the stretches may be underwater, so please do not attempt to travel along these roads if one is not sure,” said Dennis at the presentation of the last batch of his minor rural project ( MRP) funds for this year at Telang Usan Service Centre in Luak Bay recently.
The allocations totalling RM135,000 were distributed among several longhouse safety and development committees (JKKKs), churches, local youth organisations and the parentteacher associations ( PTAs) of several schools across the
It is even more pressing to take such measure at this time of the year, where it rains almost every day – making the logging roads very slippery and dangerous.
constituency.
Still on road safety, Dennis called upon motorists to always be alert and observant to the sign boards put up by logging operators along the road.
“The signboards must not be taken for granted – it could be a matter of life and death.
“This is not a new advice, but I take it upon me to keep on reminding all to take safety as utmost priority. Being a very frequent user of the road, I have seen near misses due to negligence,” he said.
Dennis pointed out that during this time of the year more vehicles are expected on the road – driven by both experienced off-road drivers and the inexperienced ones.
“Travellers must conduct proper checks on their vehicles, especially on the brakes and tyres to ensure they are ready for any eventuality. Even if the sky seems to be clear at your starting point, the weather could change at any moment especially in the interiors; this could cause some difficulties to inexperienced or non- off road drivers,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dennis said he would write to the current operator of the logging roads stretching from Lapok Bazaar to Long Banga in Ulu Baram to consider extending the ‘keep left’ driving system from Lapok Junction up to Long Pilah in Central Baram junction or if possible, even further up.
“I notice that this system from Lapok to Long Luyang junction since some years back minimises the chances of accidents.
“We are used to this system everywhere in the country and it will defi nitely help all road users who have no other alternative but to travel along the logging roads across the rural areas in Ulu Baram,” he added.
Dennis Ngau, Telang Usan assemblyman