BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Minister of Development Datuk Seri Setia Muhammad Juanda Abdul Rashid said that the Ministry of Development (MoD), through the Public Works Department has strategies in place to increase capacity and improve traffic flow through road widening works, the construction of flyovers and upgrading intersections.
The minister said this during the third day of the First Meeting of the 22nd Session of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Saturday (March 14), in response to questions raised by LegCo member Datuk Seri Setia Suyoi Osman on whether there has been a study to identify the need for expanding or widening the main roads, particularly in heavily-populated areas, in order to reduce congestion.
The minister added, “Among the projects approved under the 12th National Development Plan (RKN 12), there are projects that have been completed and are ongoing. Among the them are the completion of the flyover crossing the Mentiri Main Road and Muara Road; the construction of the Tanah Jambu connecting road, which was completed and launched for use in August 2025; and the construction of the flyover over the Muara-Tutong Highway near the Tanjung Kajar Industrial Site, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.”
Some projects are currently under tender processes, he said, including the “widening of Muara Road (from Jalan Aman to the Salambigar intersection); widening of Tungku Highway (from the Rimba Flyover to the Gadong Estate Flyover); upgrading of road intersections by installing new traffic lights and widening roads near intersections at several locations, such as Jalan 10 RPN Lambak and the new intersection to RPN Mengkubau; and upgrading of Tutong Road, which involves widening roads and improving intersections”.
The Minister also explained, “The MoD, through the implementation of road projects, whether through road improvements or the construction of new roads follows an existing plan which includes traffic flow simulations at several locations to adapt to current conditions. Based on monitoring, traffic congestion typically occurs during peak hours, especially on working days and school days, and not for long periods of time. However, congestion can become more pronounced if an accident occurs or when road repair and maintenance works are being carried out.”
Meanwhile, in response to LegCo member Sulaiman Nasir’s queries on the steps taken to improve the design of roads, signage, traffic lights and lighting, the minister acknowledged that some road signs have become worn out and damaged over time.
As part of the ongoing efforts to improve the road infrastructure network and ensure it remains safe, efficient and comfortable for use, the MoD through the Public Works Department has implemented several improvement measures.
The measures, he said, include “improvements to road design where new materials such as fibre reinforcement, geogrids, and other suitable methods have been introduced to enhance the durability and quality of the roads; signage upgrades where old road signs are being repaired and replaced with higher-quality materials, with metal signs being replaced by composite materials; and traffic signal system upgrade where the outdated traffic signal systems are being replaced gradually with new systems at intersections to improve the management of signal phases and enhance responsiveness”.
The drainage system design, the minister said, “is supported by the Drainage and Sewerage Department and is a key component in ensuring the safety and durability of the road infrastructure. Each road construction and upgrade project considers the drainage capacity based on hydrological analysis and current rainfall intensity data, including the appropriate return period, to reduce the risk of flooding.”
For the periodic maintenance strategy implemented, he outlined actions that are undertaken include contractor selection whereby only contractors with their own asphalt plants in classes IV, V, and VI are selected for road works.
On drainage maintenance, the minister said, “the Drainage and Sewerage Department also plays a role in cleaning, dredging, and maintaining concrete and earth drains as part of scheduled contracts. Routine inspections are carried out to identify any structural damage, sedimentation, or blockages in the drainage system that could affect its functionality.” - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
