More traffic light junctions to use SMART system — Lee
MORE traffic light junctions in Sarawak will be converted to use the SMART traffic light system starting next year, said Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.
He also told the State Legislative Assembly his ministry is working closely with the relevant authorities to implement SMART Traffic Light throughout Sarawak as many cities in the world adopt smart technology to manage urban traffic in more efficient ways.
He said in view of that, his ministry also needs to utilise smart applications to manage the state’s urban traffic to reduce congestion.
“With SMART traffic lights, we will be able to reduce travelling time as it is equipped with automatic or adaptive signal retiming based on live traffic data.
“As of today, we have managed to convert 30 per cent of the 334 traffic light junctions in major urban areas into SMART Traffic Light with 65 junctions in Kuching, two in Kota Samarahan, seven in Sibu, four in Bintulu and 18 in Miri.
“My ministry, through the recommendation of our Sarawak Urban Traffic Management Committee, is planning to convert more traffic light junctions to the SMART traffic light system starting from next year,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech.
On another matter, Lee said his ministry, together with its agencies namely Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) and Buoys and Lights Board (BLB), will continue to ensure that river transport is well administered and regulated by providing the basic riverine infrastructure and an up-to-date Aids to Navigation (AtoN) for efficient monitoring of safety to navigation and security of our river users.
He pointed out that given the pivotal role the maritime and riverine transport plays in facilitating our economic activities, his ministry has also taken the initiative to review the regulation framework pertaining to the maritime transport industry.
“This is significant to facilitate the growth of the maritime industry such as shipbuilding and ship repair as well as the development of river economy in Sarawak,” he said.