KUCHING: Sarawak Minister for Transport (MOTS), Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin emphasised the urgent need for effective urban traffic management strategies to address rising vehicle ownership and road congestion in Sarawak.

Speaking at the Sarawak Urban Traffic Management Committee (SUTMaC) Meeting No. 1/2025 held here recently, he underscored the importance of coordinated efforts among stakeholders to mitigate traffic issues and enhance road infrastructure.

In his opening remarks, he stated that the increasing number of private vehicles, particularly cars and motorcycles, has contributed to severe traffic congestion.

He emphasised the crucial role of SUTMaC in formulating policies aimed at managing urban traffic efficiently while promoting alternative transportation modes and infrastructure improvements.

The meeting included a briefing from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) on accident data, providing stakeholders with an overview of high-risk areas, with Dato Sri Lee pointing out the close link between urban traffic management and road accident statistics.

“Based on the statistics, and data presented, we can have an overview of which areas we should focus on and receive recommendations on road safety measures from different divisions.

“With the approaching 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) set to be implemented from 2026 to 2030, the transportation sector plays a central role in Sarawak and the nation’s economic, social, and environmental well-being.

“Well-planned transport systems, especially efficiently managed traffic systems enable and form the foundation of prosperous economic growth as outlined in the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030,” he said.

Dato Sri Lee stressed that traffic congestion has significant economic and environmental consequences, including productivity losses, increased fuel consumption, and higher transportation costs.

He urged all agencies and transport stakeholders to submit their recommendations and project proposals for RMK-13 to his ministry to address these pressing concerns.

Additionally, he called upon the 12 division-level District Urban Traffic Management Committees (DUTMaC) to present their proposals and highlight urban traffic management issues within their respective areas.

He noted that effective urban traffic management involves multiple aspects, such as controlling traffic light systems, improving road infrastructure and signage, encouraging cyclability and walkability, as well as implementing speed management and enforcement measures.

As part of the effort, Dato Sri Lee stated that project proposals under RMK-13 should focus on sustainability, reducing carbon emissions, and fostering better connectivity as Sarawak moves towards 2030.

He concluded by reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to working closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a well-planned and efficiently managed transportation system that supports economic growth and improves the quality of life for Sarawakians.

Also present were MOTS Deputy Minister, Datuk Dr. Jerip Susil, and MOTS Deputy Permanent Secretary, Selamat Jati Yanjah. -UKASnews