KUCHING: The Jalan Kuching-Serian is a popular route for those residing in Padawan, Siburan and Serian to commute to the city centre.
As such, it comes as no surprise that there is always morning rush as road users navigate the journey to their respective destinations.
Along the stretch of road, from the Kota Padawan flyover to Mile 8 traffic light junction, commuters have to face a slow crawling traffic congestion at Mile 9 in front of RH Park.
Vehicles of various sizes tried to squeeze in to go on to the next lane while some tried to exit on to the main road, which caused a bottleneck in the traffic flow and poses danger to others
For commuters who went through this traffic congestion, they expressed their frustration on this issue and that relevant authorities should address it for safety of all road users.
Serlinna Lyduan Charles, said that Mile 9 is known for severe traffic congestion especially during peak hours, adding that it’s getting worse.
“Commuting through 9th Mile, it’s generally known to be severe during peak hours,” said Serlinna.
“People have been addressing this issue and post it on social media every single day as it is getting worse.
“For me personally, I hate to say this but I clock in as “late” everyday due to this problem.
“This matter is quite stressful for me to handle because I need to come back home late every day in order to replace my working hours.”
She said that she have some experience where there was no heavy traffic especially on school holidays and festive seasons.
Although commuters are advised to go out early in the morning, with a high volume of vehicles on the road, it will cause similar problem for everyone.
As such, Amielisya Carlyna Posta from Padawan said, “Everyday during working week, I go out from my home at 6 am, the traffic is already congested.
“It’s really frustrating for me because I would always arrive at work in the city around 8 am which for me is already late.
“Sometimes the traffic move slowly but most of the time, it doesn’t move at all for more than two minutes.
“I noticed that other commuters would cut off one another just to get ahead and it’s a danger to others. I hope people are careful on the road and use turn signals to change lane,” she said.
Another commuter named Novenna, also expressed her frustration on the traffic congestion along Jalan Kuching-Serian.
She said that many vehicles have already lined up on the flyover as early as 6.15 am.
“Based on my experience, the traffic congestion there is getting worse. Sometimes, it can cause us to be stuck for more than one hour.
“In addition, there are also road users who deliberately cut the line and indirectly cause trouble to other users,” she said.
Hence, she takes the initiative to leave home early, besides using other alternative roads to avoid the traffic jam at Mile 9.
Both Serlinnna and Novenna expressed that the matter should be addressed by the relevant authorities to improve safety and convenience for commuters.
Serlinna said the existing roads should be expanded and more lanes added for smooth traffic flow.
“Maybe construct bypasses through other areas. It would also be good for local authorities to promote car-pooling programme and improve public transportation options,” she added.
Novenna also suggested that public transportations be improved especially with buses so that everyone can use this mode of transport.
“If I could only wish, it would be to ride a bus that is fast enough to send me to my workplace so that I don’t have to drive my car everyday.”
