BY SARAH HAFIZAH CHANDRA and ABIDGAIL MERTA GANGGANG
SAMARAHAN: Traffic flow appears to be smoother even as works continue on the conversion of roundabouts along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway into traffic light intersections.
The projects which are expected to be completed by November this year will provide a great sense of relief to commuters who are often caught in dreadful traffic jams during peak hours.
On Wednesday (March 29), New Sarawak Tribune conducted an observation along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway and Institut Tadbiran Awam Negara (INTAN) roundabout from 8am to 12pm.
The traffic flow was smooth even though there were many vehicles commuting to their respective destinations.
One of the commuters, Midah Mongi, agreed that there is improvement in the traffic flow after the appointment of a rescue contractor to take over the conversion of roundabouts to traffic light intersections.
The 48-year-old hoped the projects will be completed as soon as possible to facilitate better traffic flow and to alleviate commuters’ burden.
“I remember crying after being stuck in the traffic jam for over two hours. It is not only time consuming, but tiring to endure such long hours of traffic jams in the car,” she said.
She added that she would often reach home after 8pm and it affects her ability to cook dinner and spend quality time with her family during weekdays.
An e-hailing driver who wishes to be known as Freddy Jalil said the traffic jams have negatively impacted his source of income.
He said he used to be able to earn at least RM200 in a week but this is no longer the case.
“Nowadays, I would turn down passengers’ requests during peak hours. The fare is higher during peak hours, but it is not worth it considering how time consuming the traffic jams are,” he said.
Freddy suggested the state government and local council consider expanding the road along the Kuching- Samarahan Expressway into three lanes.
He said this would help accommodate the high number of vehicles on the road and alleviate traffic congestion.
Winnie Gruna, a student at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) said it is difficult for university students like herself to commute as the transportation provided by the university is often affected by the traffic jams.
As such, she has to rely on e-hailing services like Grab and Maxim in order to get to class on time.
“The traffic jams sometimes cause the free transportation provided by the university to be delayed, so it is quite risky for us students.
“I am grateful that the ride fare is still affordable despite the traffic situation. However, I have to get ready much earlier to make sure that I arrive on campus in time for class,” she said.
Meanwhile, Chan Sii Ning said the the projects should be completed faster to avoid busy traffic in the area.
The 30-year-old pharmacist said the traffic situation was far worse when the rescue contractor first took over.
“I had to spend at least an hour and a half to travel from Samarahan to Kuching even though the distance is only 17 km. I had to spend at least RM400 per month for fuel even though I am using a Perodua Axia which is actually very costly,” she said.
Chan said she usually distracts herself by listening to the radio and music during the traffic jams so that she is not too stressed out before arriving at work and when going back home.
The same thing is experienced by Mohd Fauzi Kamri who is from Kampung Asajaya.
The 30-year-old mechanic said he has to commute to Kuching every now and then to get spare parts for the workshop he works at.
“The commute from Kampung Asajaya to Kuching is approximately an hour, but when there are traffic jams it would take about an hour and thirty minutes. I usually would leave the house really early to avoid being stuck in the jam,” he said.
He also said he would not mind if toll roads are implemented in the area, provided that the toll charges are affordable.
“In my opinion, a toll charge of RM5 is affordable and I would not mind paying as long as it facilitates my commute,” he added.
