Association appeals for enforcement of passenger van spots

KAPIT: The Kapit Passenger Vans Association has called on the authorities concerned to enforce proper waiting and pickup points for passengers in front of the Kapit Post Office.

Chairman Tuai Rumah Nyamok Jab told reporters that although nine parking bays have been painted with yellow lines indicating they are for passenger vans, there is no enforcement to ensure other vehicles do not abuse the spaces.

“I’ve received many complaints among our members in regard to this issue of private vehicle owners. They don’t observe that those nine lots are reserved for passenger vans. As a result, we have no choice but to park our vans along the road.

“This not only causes great inconvenience to van operators and passengers, it also adversely affects other road users.

“As you are aware, Kapit roads are narrow and short. So when illegal parking takes place, it hampers the free flow of traffic,” he said.

He called on the Road Safety Council, Kapit District Council, Road Transport Department, and police to assist with enforcement.

“We fully understand the acute shortage of parking spaces in town because Kapit is packed with too many vehicles. But please empathise with us, our livelihoods and survival depend on running passenger vans to earn a living,” Nyamok added.

The parking spaces are supposed to be reserved for vans plying between Kapit and Kampung Baru, Bletih State Complex, Kapit Health Clinic, Jalan Bukit Goram, Jalan Antaroh, and Jalan Ulu Sungai Yong.

Passenger vans serving Jalan Selirik, Jalan Melekon, and Jalan Mujong, are supposed to have pickup points at Jalan Kapitan Chua Leong Kee and Jalan Tan Sit Leong.

At present, passenger vans are the main form of public transportation here.