The Miri-Marudi road being tar-sealed in this October 2018 file photo.
MARUDI: Road users must refrain from speeding and cutting corners along the windy, hilly Miri-Marudi road during this Chinese New Year season where road safety should be their top priority.
Assistant Minister of Local Government and Marudi state assemblyman Datu Dr Penguang Manggil made this call in view of the anticipated higher volume of traffic on this windy paved road, where users are now driving faster than before due to better road conditions.
He also proposed that the contractor display road safety features such as reflective mirrors at sharp corners or blind spots to enable drivers to be aware of oncoming vehicles, giving them enough time to react.
The Miri Marudi Road was first initiated under the Jiwa Murni Project following the alignment and the contour of a disused logging road with the intention to provide road connectivity to Marudi and its immediate hinterlands, and hence is narrow and winding.
“Driving along the said road is indeed very challenging and dangerous if you drive fast and over the speed limit for which the road was designed,” he said.
With anticipated heavier traffic this holiday season, drivers should exercise care and observe the road signage properly and avoid speeding or drinking under the influence alcohol.
“The road has been completed three months ahead of schedule but the contractor is still there to repair damaged sections of the road mostly due to overweight lorries and other factors until the liability period is over,” he said.
The assistant minister also called on plantation and lorry owners using the road to ferry their oil palm fruit bunches to be more civic minded, urging them to care and respect other road users as this is the only proper road that links Marudi with the city.