‘When I was a kid, a policeman was someone you looked up to and respected.’
– British business magnate, Alan Sugar
Until yesterday, I thought there were only police roadblocks along the Matang Jaya-Batu Kawah alternative route in Kuching City. My friends, that’s the route I take every night to reach home.
So far this year, there have been many regular police roadblocks along this particular road. Sometimes, there are two roadblocks and sometimes, there is only one. And they usually happen after 9 pm or 9.30 pm.
Just as they appear suddenly, the roadblocks can also stop suddenly.
Just last week, after a hard day’s work, I almost drove into two motorcycles and a car which were moving against the traffic flow.
After being shocked a few times, I’ve learnt bikers and motorists who behave like this are trying very hard to avoid the roadblocks and the police.
Like many other road users, they must have been surprised by the sudden police barricades.
Whenever there is a police roadblock, a long queue will automatically form. In the distance, you can see the flashing police lights. As you drive further up, the traffic becomes slower and slower until you come to a stop right in front of a police officer with a torchlight.
Sometimes, the police officer will just look at you or look into your car and then let you go. Sometimes, he will demand to see your driving licence.
So far, although my colleagues and I talk to each other about the slow traffic flows during the roadblocks along the Matang Jaya-Batu Kawah alternative route, we have not read any complaints about them in the newspapers.
Yesterday, however, I was surprised to learn from a reporter’s interview with Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen that for the past one week, police roadblocks had been set up near La Promenade Mall between 7 pm and 8 pm.
The roadblocks there, he said, had caused a frustrating traffic jam and many commuters had complained about it.
Chong, who is also Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman, urged the police to alleviate the traffic situation by deploying officers to manage the flow instead of setting roadblocks during the crucial evening hours.
He also urged the police to station officers at critical traffic junctions during rush hours to mitigate the congestion.
Since the roadblocks had been set up with the intention of apprehending stolen vehicles, the MP urged the police to share the outcomes and results of these measures.
His remark made me wonder how many stolen vehicles have been recovered at the Matang Jaya-Batu Kawah roadblocks and how many traffic offenders have been issued summonses.
Although I am sometimes tired of long queues and slow traffic flow during the police blocks, especially after a long day at the office, deep down I am thankful that our cops are working hard to keep Kuching City safe.
For most commuters who are heading home every night, our long, hard day may be about to end but for the poor police officers, theirs may have just begun.
My friends, do you know that each police district is authorised to conduct roadblocks to ensure the safety of an area under its jurisdiction as part of its crime prevention efforts under Section 26 of the Police Act 1976 (also known as Act 344)?
And do you know each checkpoint must be supervised by a senior police officer with a minimum rank of inspector and completed by several lower-ranking officers?
During roadblocks, the police officers look out for all sorts of traffic violations committed by motorists or motorcyclists. For instance, they will look at the registration plates, the physical exterior of the vehicle or motorcycle, drivers and their passengers as well as valid documentation such as driving licences.
Some roadblock operations target specific traffic regulation violations such as drink-driving or the so-called ‘mat rempit’- delinquent youth on mopeds.
Those found to have committed an offence are then issued traffic summons on the spot. Besides the police, the road transport authorities also conduct roadblocks.
Now, what should you do at a roadblock? Prepare to show your documents, especially your driving licence.
Slow down and stop your vehicle if you have to.
Stay calm and smile.
Remember you may be issued a summons if you have not renewed your road tax and insurance, if you do not have a valid road tax and if you have unlawful car modification.
Happy driving, my friends.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
