Lo Khere Chiang says road closure at Mile 7 causes traffic jam

suppadmin | July 13, 2021

State Assemblyman for Batu Kitang, Lo Khere Chiang expressed his deepest regrets and disappointment with LBU, JKR and the consultants for temporarily closing the route of the traffic light at Mile 7, Pan Borneo Sarawak highway project, a federal project.

Lo, who is also Padawan Municipal council (MPP) Chairman said since the closure, his mobile phones have been ringing non stop until night time. He said in the heavy downpour on Monday late afternoon, commuters called him up asking him to drive to the area to see if he can get there in an hour. Some road users were stuck for almost two hours.

“ I have informed the three parties, LBU, JKR and consultants to sit down and talk things out. They should relook at the traffic flow and to ensure that any closure will not affect the smooth flow of traffic. We cannot afford to have such traffic jams for the next three months,” he said.

Stating that he understands the need for LBU and JKR to carry out reconstruction and strengthening of the existing road base due to wear and tear, Lo said this exercise must be done to ensure that the road users will not be affected by the closure.

He said as the left turn from Batu Kitang Road to Kuching/Serian Road is incompleted, he hoped that before the closure took place, they need to complete the section of road from Batu Kitang to Kuching/Serian to avoid any massive traffic jams.

With MCO entering into phase two of the National Recovery plan, Lo pointed out that more sectors would be operating and there will be more vehicles on the road.

JKR closing the road had requested road users from Kota Sentosa to be careful while driving along the route as work is being carried out. They said any complaints or further inquiries regarding the flow of traffic, please contact Sarawak Pan Borneo Highway Unit, JKRS at 082-230 879 or Mr. Audi Munir (PM) line 016 – 879 2057 and En. Isn Senada (TMO) at 017-850 4026.