MIRI: Widening existing roads and building a new alternative route are the two main solutions being prioritised to ease worsening traffic congestion around SK Tudan Jaya ahead of a new school opening in 2027.
Transport Minister and Senadin assemblyman Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said the measures were identified following a site visit to assess the increasingly congested traffic situation in the area, driven by the growing number of schools.
He said the area is currently served by SJKC Chung Hua Tudan, which has more than 1,200 students, and SK Tudan Jaya with over 600 students. A new secondary school, SMK Tudan, is expected to begin operations in January 2027 with a capacity of about 1,200 students.
“This means that more than 3,000 students will be using the same route every day, significantly increasing the risk of serious traffic congestion,” he said after the visit on Tuesday (May 5), which was attended by Miri district education officers, school representatives and relevant agencies.
Lee said the existing main road linking the schools is too narrow to cope with the increasing volume of vehicles, particularly during peak hours.
As an immediate measure, the Miri City Council has been asked to upgrade and widen the current road to improve its capacity.
“The Miri City Council has been requested to take immediate action to increase the road’s capacity,” he said.
In the long term, a new road is being proposed as an alternative route to help disperse traffic and reduce congestion.
Lee added that the Sarawak Land and Survey Department has been tasked with identifying suitable road reserves for the project.
“We have reviewed the area map and found that there are road reserves that can be studied for the construction of a new route. This planning is important to ensure smoother traffic flow when the new school begins operations,” he said.
He also pointed out that nearby government maritime-related facilities contribute to higher traffic movement in the area.
Lee stressed that early planning and close coordination among agencies are crucial to ensure road safety and smoother traffic flow, especially for students and parents.
