A ‘lori hantu’ carrying logs along Bakun-Tatau Road. The photo was taken by a member of PRS Belaga branch.
KUCHING: Unlicensed logging trucks, known locally as `lori hantu’, are still terrorising Bakun-Tatau road users even though complaints about them being ‘king of the road’ had been raised umpteen times.
In a statement yesterday, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Belaga branch urged the relevant authorities to act as these trucks posed great dangers to many road users.
“We would like to appeal to the relevant authorities, especially the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the traffic police, to monitor this stretch of road to address this pertinent issue once and for all.
“It would be even better if JPJ set up a check point or a permanent post there to monitor traffic and book errant drivers.”
The statement added that there had been many fatal accidents along this stretch of road last year before the road was resurfaced.
“Now that the road has been resurfaced, these ‘lori hantu’ should be totally banned from using the road as the timber operators have an alternative route to use.”
The statement also stated its appreciation to the Works Ministry for resurfacing the 120km road at an estimated cost of RM31 million.
“While the resurfacing works are almost completed, the `lori hantu’ are all out to destroy the road again. We hope this time the relevant authorities will not close one eye on the situation.”
When contacted, Hulu Rajang MP Wilson Ugak Kumbong said he would write to the relevant authorities and local community leaders for a dialogue session to resolve this situation.
“This issue has gone on for far too long and seemingly without proper monitoring from the relevant authorities despite my constant reminders in Parliament on the danger posed by them,” said Ugak.
He said if `lori hantu’ were allowed to operate, then JPJ should also allow other vehicle owners to drive without valid licenses and insurance.
“That’s’ how it goes. Life must be fair. But as a civil society I believed the relevant authorities will act accordingly,” said Ugak.