Sarawak Measures to Ensure a Smoother Festive Travel Experience
KUCHING: Sarawak will introduce a temporary ban on goods vehicles during Hari Raya to facilitate smoother traffic conditions and minimize accident risks, the state government announced.
State Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin stated that the restriction would be implemented on selected dates, to be confirmed soon.
“We are coordinating with JPJ, and they will release an official notice soon. This has been our practice during every major festive season, including Chinese New Year, to maintain safe and efficient road conditions,” he explained during a Hari Raya road safety campaign launch on Wednesday (March 12).
Minimizing Heavy Traffic and Enhancing Road Safety
On Monday (March 10), federal Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the nationwide restriction on goods vehicles would take effect on March 29-30 and April 5-6, aligning with the peak festive travel period.
He emphasized that the ban aims to prevent traffic congestion and road accidents caused by the presence of heavy vehicles on busy highways.
“With thousands of vehicles traveling for Hari Raya, limiting the presence of goods vehicles will ensure a smoother flow of traffic and a safer journey for all road users,” Loke said.
This approach has been successfully implemented during past festive seasons, significantly reducing traffic jams and road incidents.
Public Awareness Through Hari Raya-Themed Green Packets
To further promote road safety awareness, Lee revealed that the state’s Hari Raya road safety campaign would officially launch in Mukah on March 17.
“Apart from standard safety measures, we are introducing green Raya packets, following the success of our red packets during Chinese New Year. These packets will help remind drivers to prioritize road safety,” he stated.
The specially designed green packets will feature illustrations of Sarawak’s various transportation networks, including roads, rivers, and the state’s airline, AirBorneo, with road safety reminders printed on the back.
“We urge everyone to drive responsibly and ensure their loved ones arrive home safely for Hari Raya,” Lee added.
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