Illegal stalls near bridge pose danger to motorists

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The illegal structures erected at the end of Kuala Baram bridge. Danger lurks when drivers stop their vehicles there to buy fish.

The illegal structures erected at the end of Kuala Baram bridge. Danger lurks when drivers stop their vehicles there to buy fish.

MIRI: The emergence of illegal stalls selling fish at the riverbank near Kuala Baram bridge is posing danger to motorists passing through the area.

Chairman of UPP Pujut branch, Bruce Chai, said it had resulted in a minor accident at the area last week.

“We have received a number of public concerns on the traffic safety in the area. In order to get a clear picture of the situation, I went to the area for a check and found the road verge was too narrow.

“When driving through the bridge heading to Kuala Baram, motorists can hardly see if there is any vehicle making a stop at the area. This would only cause unnecessary road accidents,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.

Although the road accident that happened last week was not serious, Chai hoped the relevant authorities would address the matter immediately to avoid similar incidents from reoccurring.

“The road verge before the bridge which is along the fish market of Kampung Batu Satu is very wide for vehicles to make a stop and will not cause traffic obstruction. I feel it would be nice if these traders move there,” he said.

Chai also found out that fishermen berthed their boats near the illegal structure to land their catch.

He has lodged a report through government talikhidmat service to the relevant authorities such as Miri City Council, Public Works Department and Land and Survey Department.

Thus far, he said Land and Survey Department had responded to his complaint.

He said the department would look into the matter and check if the area was used illegally by the fishermen to land their catch.