SIBU: Safety measures in school areas need to be enhanced following an incident in which a 16-year-old female student was injured after being struck by a four-wheel-drive vehicle while crossing the road in front of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Tung Hua on Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg on Friday.
Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee said the incident highlights the need to improve safety facilities at schools located in areas with heavy traffic flow.
“I see this as an unfortunate accident involving a car and a female student who was attempting to cross the road in front of the school.
“Incidents such as this demonstrate the need for better safety measures to protect students,” he said.
He said this when speaking to reporters after officiating at the launch of the Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) programme for the Pelawan constituency at Jumbo Grocer here today.
The Pelawan Assemblyman said he has instructed the Sibu Municipal Council (MPS) to study a proposal to install a pedestrian crossing traffic light in front of the school to enhance the safety of students who need to cross the road.
According to him, the proposal includes the construction of a zebra crossing, the installation of traffic lights and a countdown timer to regulate traffic movement, particularly during peak school hours.
“The pedestrian crossing traffic light will operate only at certain times, such as before and after school hours, so as not to disrupt the overall traffic flow.
“Traffic lights are more effective than signage alone because they compel drivers to stop when students are crossing the road,” he explained.
In addition, Datuk Michael is also planning the construction of a covered walkway along the fence of SMK Tung Hua to provide a safer waiting area for students awaiting their parents.
He added that several other schools in the Pelawan area will also be considered for similar safety improvements, including the construction of pedestrian bridges where road conditions permit.
He further said that a consultant has been asked to prepare the design for pedestrian bridges for schools located along Jalan Ulu Sungai Merah. -UKASnews
