Workers installing a bigger and stronger metal barrier along Bakun Road yesterday.
KUCHING: Following the destruction of the first metal barrier less than 24 hours after it was erected along Bakun Road on Feb 10, the Public Works Department (JKR) installed a bigger and stronger one yesterday.
Belaga assemblyman Liwan Lagang hoped all road users would be law abiding this time around.
“The first one that was installed was a symbol of law and order in the land. But they (culprits) destroyed it. This showed that whoever did it has no respect for the law. So, we hope this time around the people will abide by the law,” Liwan told The Borneo Post yesterday.
He also hoped the police and Road Transport Department (JPJ) would help ensure the ‘lori hantu’ (illegal lorries) would not destroy the structure again.
“They can use the road but with lower and shorter cargo so as not to endanger the lives of other road users. This is because the idea of erecting the metal barrier was to ensure that heavy vehicles would not tear the road apart and create big potholes.”
During an exclusive interview with The Borneo Post recently, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem warned that the state government would not be intimidated by the operators of ‘lori hantu’.
“They tear one, we will erect three stronger ones,” Adenan had said.
He viewed the act of these irresponsible individuals in tearing down the metal barrier as challenging him as the chief executive of the state.
Adenan also said he would not compromise with individuals who have no regards for the law, especially with regards to illegal logging.
Meanwhile, PRS Youth Publicity chief Bit Surang thanked Adenan for his firmness on the issue.
“Timber companies must obey and follow restrictions that had been put up. They have their own road, which is parallel with Bakun Road. Please use their own road if the metal barrier is inconvenient for them,” said Bit.
He added that no one should act as if they were the government.
“Tough action should be taken against those who challenge the authority. As the chief minister has said, ‘Don’t mess with me’. We, the people of Belaga, are fully behind him on the fight against the illegal loggers. It is a fight that we could not afford to lose,” added Bit.
He reiterated that Adenan indeed was a leader who walked the talk.
The long outstanding issue of the illegal lorries carrying logs and oil palm fresh fruits bunches have long been highlighted by the Belaga people and their elected representatives.
The issue had also been highlighted by The Borneo Post on many occasions as road users had been complaining of potholes along the road before it was resurfaced recently for some RM30 mil.
In addition, there have been many reports of accidents, including fatal ones, due mainly to motorists trying to avoid these potholes.