Smart traffic lights set to reduce congestion on Sibu roads

Traffic congestion during the early morning rush hour along Jalan Ulu Sungai Merah. Filepic

PLANS are in the pipeline to instal a smart traffic light system to reduce congestion in Sibu.

Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Khim Shin said the Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System (Scats) could improve traffic flow.

Speaking to reporters after chairing the Sibu divisional traffic committee meeting, he said the Sarawak Multimedia Authority would work on the matter soon, especially for priority areas.

There are 24 traffic lights managed by the Sibu Municipal Council and 16 under the state Public Works Department.

The local council is still using the old technology but in Kuching, 42 traffic lights are already using Scats.

Separately, Lee said the Sarawak Rivers Board and Marine Department had given approval for the Rajang river cruise operator to extend business hours.

“The operator can now organise cruises from 5pm to 9pm instead of 7pm previously,” he said.

“The operator has also applied to run daily instead of from Friday to Sunday only, and this has also been approved.

“The operator has applied for a second boat too, as response has been very good,” he added.

Present at the meeting were Sarawak Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Sibu Divisional Traffic Committee chairman Wong Hie Sieng, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng and Pelawan assemblyman Michael Tiang. — By ANDY CHUA