KUCHING: The upgrading of Jalan Tanjong Batu into a six-lane dual carriageway has been proposed to ease traffic congestion expected from upcoming residential and commercial developments.

Tanjung Batu Assemblyman Johnny Pang Leong Ming urged the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak (MIPD) to consider the project as the Tanjong Batu area is experiencing continued residential and commercial development.

According to him, this includes the new Emart Residences development, which will bring additional traffic to the surrounding road network.

“If no such proposal is currently planned, perhaps a traffic impact assessment and feasibility study could be considered.

“I believe it is better to prepare our infrastructure ahead of development, rather than wait until traffic congestion becomes a serious problem,” he said.

He said this during the debate on the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026 at the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting on Thursday.

Additionally, Johnny also called for affordable housing development programmes to be extended to Bintulu, as the area was not among the locations specifically mentioned for these housing projects.

He noted that this was an important initiative, particularly for young families and low to middle-income earners aspiring to own their first home.

“With our growing population, expanding industries and increasing demand for housing, I hope that Bintulu can also receive consideration under future affordable housing development programmes,” he said. -UKASnews