(Miri, 15th) Road users commuting between Hilltop Garden and the old Lambir Road have complained that the road section located at the bottom of the hill, before the Lopeng traffic lights, has yet to be fully repaired after a collapse, with users waiting in vain!
Pakatan Harapan Sarawak and DAP secretary Ling Sie Kian once again inspected the site at noon on the 13th, expressing hopes that as he continues to voice the people’s concerns, the authorities would take the issue seriously and expedite works for road safety.
"I received complaints in the middle of last year, and after negotiations the authorities commenced some works. But shortly after reopening the road, it was closed again in September, and has remained so ever since, repeatedly delayed. The efficiency is seriously lacking.”
Ling Sie Kian pointed out that this road section is a daily necessity for many residents. Road users reported that the road subsidence has persisted for some time and currently, only barricades and simple closure measures are in place. Vehicles must slow down and detour, especially at night or during rain, posing potential dangers, causing inconvenience, and making people worry that the road may collapse at any moment.
“This incident clearly demonstrates the authorities’ negligence. Why didn’t they carry out a comprehensive repair in the first instance last year, only later realizing that the cause was a burst old water pipe which created underground cavities and ultimately led to the subsidence?
He noted that according to reports from last September, the Public Works Department is responsible for formulating a permanent solution, which includes building concrete culverts and related road-support structures to ensure long-term stability and safety. The design scheme has already been submitted to the Kuching headquarters for approval and, once approved, works will commence immediately.
“Based on information released at the time, repairs were expected to take around two months to complete, during which the affected section would be temporarily closed and alternative traffic measures implemented to maintain overall traffic flow. The scope of the project extends beyond mere surface repairs, and includes reinforcement of curves and small bridge sections to comprehensively address hidden safety hazards caused by erosion.”
However, regrettably, works have yet to officially begin. The section remains only partially open, with damaged areas still barricaded—a situation that continues to pose risks and safety concerns for road users.
Ling Sie Kian, speaking for the public, calls on the authorities to fulfill their duties diligently and to approach even seemingly minor livelihood issues with seriousness, not complacency.
“Road users earnestly hope the authorities can expeditiously implement the previously announced repair plan to avoid prolonged delays, and to safeguard public safety.”
Pakatan Harapan Sarawak and DAP secretary Ling Sie Kian once again inspected the site at noon on the 13th, expressing hopes that as he continues to voice the people’s concerns, the authorities would take the issue seriously and expedite works for road safety.
"I received complaints in the middle of last year, and after negotiations the authorities commenced some works. But shortly after reopening the road, it was closed again in September, and has remained so ever since, repeatedly delayed. The efficiency is seriously lacking.”
“This incident clearly demonstrates the authorities’ negligence. Why didn’t they carry out a comprehensive repair in the first instance last year, only later realizing that the cause was a burst old water pipe which created underground cavities and ultimately led to the subsidence?
He noted that according to reports from last September, the Public Works Department is responsible for formulating a permanent solution, which includes building concrete culverts and related road-support structures to ensure long-term stability and safety. The design scheme has already been submitted to the Kuching headquarters for approval and, once approved, works will commence immediately.
“Based on information released at the time, repairs were expected to take around two months to complete, during which the affected section would be temporarily closed and alternative traffic measures implemented to maintain overall traffic flow. The scope of the project extends beyond mere surface repairs, and includes reinforcement of curves and small bridge sections to comprehensively address hidden safety hazards caused by erosion.”
However, regrettably, works have yet to officially begin. The section remains only partially open, with damaged areas still barricaded—a situation that continues to pose risks and safety concerns for road users.
Ling Sie Kian, speaking for the public, calls on the authorities to fulfill their duties diligently and to approach even seemingly minor livelihood issues with seriousness, not complacency.
“Road users earnestly hope the authorities can expeditiously implement the previously announced repair plan to avoid prolonged delays, and to safeguard public safety.”