MIRI: The Sarawak Government has allocated RM8 million this year for the resurfacing and maintenance of the Permyjaya-Kuala Baram Bypass Road which is affected by the peatland conditions.

Sarawak Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the project was implemented by the Public Works Department (JKR) spanning approximately 2.4 kilometres with a focus on restoring the road surface and structure.

According to him, the work carried out includes road surface scraping, pavement recycling using the 'Cold In-Place Recycling' (CIPR) method and re-paving.

"This project is important to ensure that the road conditions are safer and more comfortable for users, especially because this route is built on peat soil that easily experiences sedimentation," he said when inspecting the project site, on Friday.

The Senadin Assemblyman added that Jalan Permyjaya, which is approximately 12 kilometres long, often experiences uneven and bumpy surfaces due to ground movement, affecting the safety and comfort of users.

In the meantime, he also expressed hope that the Federal Government would provide continuous maintenance provisions as the route is under Federal administration and requires regular maintenance following peatland conditions.

In other developments, he also urged the Ministry of Works to speed up the construction of traffic lights at the Taman Milea, Eastwood intersection which was approved about three years ago.

According to Dato Sri Lee, the facility is increasingly needed due to the increase in the number of vehicles and the distance between the traffic light intersection and the existing U-turn location.

Meanwhile, the issue of overcrowding at the Sungai Tujoh Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex was also raised, particularly in relation to the shortage of immigration and customs personnel.

He revealed that the Sarawak Government has provided RM4 million to upgrade the ICQS facilities, including the addition of lanes and inspection counters.

However, he said, the addition of physical facilities must be supported by the deployment of sufficient personnel to ensure that all counters can operate optimally.

He hoped the Federal Government could expedite the deployment of additional officers to reduce congestion at the Miri-Brunei border gate.

According to him, continuous coordination between the Sarawak Government and the Federal Government is needed to ensure that road infrastructure and border facilities can function better for the smooth movement of people and the safety of users. -UKASnews