Abang Johari laments solution to Kota Sentosa traffic jam derailed by spin

KUCHING: Chief minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said plans to solve the traffic jam at Kota Sentosa could not be implemented as there are objections.

“I want to solve the problem and upgrade the infrastructure but the people didn’t want it.

“We got the plan but we don’t want people to be confused because of the spin (twisting of facts). Because of the spin, people thought differently. If people don’t like it then we wouldn’t do it, until people understand,” he told reporters after the launch of Sarawak Pay at KK Super Mart outlet in Kota Sentosa here yesterday.

Abang Johari acknowledged that the traffic jam at Kota Sentosa area is very bad.

“Kota Sentosa all (the way) towards Serian, jammed. Also in Kota Samarahan. I have a solution but until people can understand it, I wouldn’t do it. The worst is when people spin and tell different stories,” he lamented.

Earlier in his speech, Abang Johari said objections from the Opposition have made some development plans difficult.

“Kota Sentosa’s jam is very bad. That is why I wanted to introduce light rail transit (LRT) system but some people don’t want it.

“We want to modernise, but they said it is wasting money,” he added.

On a related note, Abang Johari pointed out that the government is upgrading infrastructure to gear Kuching towards a Smart City status.

“Kuching first, particularly in the Heritage area. We will equip smart devices using 5G technology. We will be working with Huawei for this.

“With 5G, transactions can be done in three seconds.

“Once we are done with Kuching, we move on to Greater Kuching. Kota Sentosa is in Greater Kuching. We will set aside about RM6 million to upgrade facilities in Padawan Municipal Council area,” he said.