No more ferry services in 4 to 5 years’ time – Abg Johari

KUCHING: The Sarawak government has a new road project in the pipeline to ease the traffic congestion in Batu Kawa, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has said.

He said the proposed new road project would be implemented under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), and would connect Batu Kawa to Matang and even to Santubong area, as well as Samarahan.

“I know Batu Kawa is already facing quite a serious traffic jam problem now. Because of that, we will build a new road from Batu Kawa to Matang and then to the roundabout near the Sarawak Foundation.

“From that roundabout, we have another road project from there to somewhere near Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) and then to the bridge going to Samarahan,” he said.

He added that with the completion of the proposed new road, motorists would have a choice of at least three outlets to go out from Batu Kawa.

He said once the new road had been built, new areas would be opened up and developed into new affordable housing estates.

In this regard, he said he was looking forward to a call by Local Government and Housing Minister Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian to build more affordable houses for the M40 group.

“Dr Sim had asked for more affordable houses to be built in Batu Kawa for the M40 group.

“But I think Batu Kawa is already quite congested and only a er this road is built, then we could build housing estates within an affordable price.

“We have a formula for this – for us to help people, so they can apply for affordable housing.

“I will reveal the formula later,” said Abang Johari.