MIRI: Senadin assemblyman Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin has called on the contractor and Miri City Council (MCC) to address design flaws in the ongoing installation of a 24-meter-long anti-climbing fence at SMK Merbau, here.
During a site visit this morning (Nov 27), Lee highlighted that the fence, intended to enhance student safety, is too low to effectively prevent climbing.
“The students can easily climb over it. It doesn’t serve the purpose,” he said, urging for the fence’s height to be doubled.
The anti-climbing fence installation is part of a broader RM400,000 infrastructure improvement initiative for the school.
Approved by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the project aims to improve facilities and ease traffic congestion at SMK Merbau, which houses 3,200 students — the second-highest student population in Sarawak after SMK Bintulu.
Other components of the project include the extension of the roadside covered waiting area for students, construction of a covered motorcycle parking lot, installation of a road median barrier, zebra crossings, traffic signages, and other safety infrastructures.
“The project is about 20 percent completed,” said Lee, explaining that the tender process was concluded and the work is progressing.
However, he pointed out the need for design revisions, including safety enhancements for the waiting area.
“We need to ensure students don’t sit on the bar and risk falling into the drain,” he added.
Lee, who is also the Transport Minister, highlighted traffic management improvements, such as additional waiting areas for students and designated drop-off points for parents, which aim to reduce congestion around the school.
Regarding the completion timeline, he said the initial deadline was December 2024. However, due to the additional design modifications and material procurement from Kuching, the project is now expected to be completed by early January 2025.
“We want this project to be properly done. Safety is our priority, and we will work closely with MCC and the contractor to ensure these issues are addressed,” Lee concluded.
