KUCHING: The installation of solar-powered streetlights along Jakar Road and Kim San Road needs to be expedited to reduce accident risks and enhance road user safety, particularly at night.

Repok Assemblyman Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii noted that pitch-black road conditions not only endanger motorists, but also demand immediate attention due to the rising volume of local traffic utilising these routes.

According to him, Kim San Road now accommodates over 150 residential houses and nine longhouses, while also serving as an alternative route for residents of Sungai Rusa Road, which involves 60 families and a longhouse.

“Taking into account the impacts caused by the lack of street lighting, I propose that the government expedite the installation of solar-powered streetlights along Jakar Road and Kim San Road for public safety and to meet the needs of Sarikei's growing community,” he said.

He said this while debating the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026 during the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting here on Wednesday.

He noted that the increasing number of residents relying on these routes daily underscores the urgent necessity for adequate street lighting infrastructure to ensure their safety and convenience.

Turning to healthcare services, Dato Sri Huang highlighted that the annual rise in patient volume at Sarikei Hospital and Sarikei Polyclinic requires government action to expand parking facilities at both healthcare premises.

He pointed out that current parking facilities at Sarikei Hospital — comprising 73 bays for staff and 258 bays for the public — are no longer sufficient to cope with the escalating demand.

This issue, according to him, is similarly faced by Sarikei Polyclinic, which recorded approximately 152,000 patient visits in 2024, increasing to around 169,000 in 2025.

“This situation leads to severe traffic congestion, causing hardship for senior citizens, chronic patients, and mothers accompanied by young children,” he emphasized.

In addition, he disclosed that Sarikei Hospital recorded approximately 11,000 inpatient admissions and 39,000 outpatient visits in 2025.

Accordingly, he called on the government to formulate plans or short-term solutions to address the acute parking shortages at both medical facilities. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Jonnie Kiew
Photos: Ibanez
Translator: Ryan Lim