New traffic light junction not serving its purpose, PSB’s Lai claims

MIRI: Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) candidate for Miri parliamentary seat Datuk Lawrence Lai Yew Son feels that the newly completed traffic lights between Vista Perdana and South Lake have not been efficient in easing the traffic congestion there.

“After the traffic light junction was activated yesterday, a major traffic congestion happened at the whole stretch to the extent that the Permyjaya flyover was also blocked. I have received so many complaints since last night, alleging that the traffic light junction that was activated has worsened the situation there,” he told a press conference yesterday.

Lai described the design of the traffic light junction as rather weird, as from the look of it, it only caters for South Lake residents instead of benefitting both housing areas that are opposite each other.

“Whereas the residents of Vista Perdana have to drive up to Permyjaya traffic junction, just to be able to go home. It gives the impression that the authority is giving special preferential treatment to high-end residential areas.

“No matter the explanation by Public Works Department (JKR), the residents are sharing the same thoughts about the traffic junction,” said Lai.

He said the relevant authorities should study the crux of the problem and how the traffic congestion got worse after the traffic light junction was activated.

He pointed out that MiriPujut Bypass Link road is under the jurisdiction of the federal government.

“Thus, whether the issue is due to insufficient funding or other reasons, it must be resolved as soon as possible because it affects many people living in the area,” he added.