(From left) Chieng is briefed by Tien and Marshall on the progress of the smart traffic light installation. – Photo by Peter Boon
SIBU (June 10): The temporary smart traffic light system at the Jalan Salim/Jalan Bukit Penyau T-junction here is expected to become operational by the end of this month, providing relief to residents who have long faced traffic congestion and safety concerns in the area.
Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng said the RM450,000 project includes the installation of a traffic light system as well as road improvement works such as road widening, road markings and junction upgrades.
Construction began in March this year.
Funded through a special allocation from the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR), Chieng described the project as an important initiative to improve road safety.
“This is a very meaningful project to safeguard the safety of road users. I have also suggested that a yellow box be painted at the junction to ensure smoother traffic flow,” he told reporters after inspecting the project site yesterday.
He said the initiative was proposed following numerous complaints from residents since last year, particularly after the completion of the link road connecting Sibu Jaya Township and Jalan Kong Yit Khim, which significantly increased traffic volume in the area.
He estimated that approximately 1,000 houses are located in the Jalan Bukit Penyau area.
“Motorists from the Jalan Bukit Penyau heading towards the town centre need to make a right turn onto Jalan Salim.
“However, they often have to wait for traffic from both directions on the main road, resulting in long queues, especially during school and office peak hours,” he said.
Concerned by the situation, Chieng met Sarawak JKR director Datu Dr Cassidy Morris in November last year to seek assistance in addressing the problem.
He said the congestion not only caused delays but also posed safety risks, as motorists were often forced to take chances when entering the main road.
“If traffic from both directions does not give way, it becomes very difficult and dangerous for drivers to exit the junction. According to residents, accidents have occurred there before.”
Chieng added that JKR has identified the junction as a future major intersection, as a planned road from Jalan Lada will connect to the area and Jalan Bukit Penyau will eventually be upgraded into a dual carriageway linked to the Sibu Jaya-Jalan Kong Yit Khim road.
“This is a very important traffic junction. Normally, traffic lights are installed only after the completion of the road projects, but we cannot afford to wait.
“That is why I requested JKR to consider a temporary traffic light system,” he said.
He stressed, however, that the current installation is only a short-term solution.
“Once the overall road development in the area is completed, a permanent traffic light system will be installed. Although this is a temporary facility, it will still be built according to the required standards,” he said.
Resident Pau Chiong Shii welcomed the project, saying it would help ease long-standing traffic problems at the junction.
“During peak hours, motorists often face long queues because it is difficult to enter the main road. This creates safety risks for road users.
“Parents with school-going children often have to leave home very early to avoid being late for school,” he said.
Meanwhile, Seri Teknik traffic light specialist Edric Yeo said the project aims to improve road safety and accessibility for motorists entering and exiting Jalan Bukit Penyau.
He said the junction will be equipped with the Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System (SCATS), an intelligent traffic signal control technology that optimises traffic flow based on real-time conditions.
“The SCATS system utilises vehicle detection sensors to monitor traffic demand and automatically adjust signal timings.
“By adapting green-light phases according to actual traffic conditions, the system is expected to reduce congestion, improve traffic flow and minimise delays during peak periods,” he said.
Yeo added that the upgraded junction would provide a safer, smarter and more efficient traffic management solution while supporting the continued growth of surrounding residential area.
Also present during the site visit were JKR Sibu representatives Marshall Minggu and Gordon Brice, as well as Jack Tien of Mawrice Everise Contractor, the project’s main contractor.
