MUKAH – The installation of smart traffic lights at the Jalan Wawasan intersection is nearing completion, with the system scheduled to be operational on 24 December.
The project, valued at over RM2 million, is part of a wider initiative under the 12th Malaysia Plan to modernise traffic management and reduce accident risks across Sarawak.
Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine confirmed that the works are now 99 per cent complete, with only minor finishing tasks such as road markings, sensor calibration and site cleaning left to be carried out.
He emphasised that the early activation of the lights is crucial to accommodate the expected surge in vehicles during the Christmas and year-end period.
“This project is very important to ensure smooth traffic flow ahead of the festive season, given the increase in the number of vehicles entering and leaving Mukah during that period until the end of the year,” he said while inspecting the site.
The initiative has been jointly implemented by the Mukah Division Resident’s Office, the Dalat and Mukah District Council (MDDM), and the Ministry of Transport, with support from contractors and utility providers.
Valentine expressed appreciation for the agencies’ commitment to delivering the project according to specifications and quality standards.
The development faced early challenges due to underground cables and utility lines, requiring coordination with Sarawak Energy Supply Corporation (SESCO). Once these issues were resolved, construction progressed smoothly.
The contractor has also been instructed to refine the positioning of detectors, drawing lessons from the smart traffic light system at Simpang Setia Raja, to ensure accurate vehicle detection and uninterrupted traffic flow.
The Jalan Wawasan junction has long been identified as a blackspot for accidents, with frequent minor collisions reported. The new system is expected to significantly improve safety by regulating traffic more effectively.
According to reports, the smart lights integrate advanced sensors designed to respond dynamically to traffic conditions, reducing waiting times and congestion.
Sarawak has embarked on a broader programme to upgrade 367 traffic lights statewide into smart systems, with 183 already completed and the remainder scheduled for installation.
The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to modernising infrastructure and addressing congestion in both urban and rural centres.
Valentine expressed hope that the Mukah project will not only enhance safety but also provide long-term benefits to road users.
“With the completion of this project, it is expected to improve the level of road safety in the area, which was previously identified as a location where accidents often occur,” he added.
Present during the inspection were Mukah Division Resident Datu Kueh Lei Poh, Mukah District Police Chief DSP Muhammad Rizal Alias, and MDDM Secretary Abdul Razak, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the project.
The smart traffic lights are expected to mark a turning point for Mukah’s road infrastructure, offering residents and visitors safer and more efficient travel during one of the busiest times of the year.
