KUCHING: Sarawak is using artificial intelligence to plan an integrated traffic model in Kuching and its surrounding areas, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
The Premier said the state's planning data up to 2030 was used in AI simulation to predict new housing areas and the road infrastructure required to connect them.
"For example, we plan to connect Siburan to Samarahan with a new road. We are also planning routes to disperse traffic from Serian.
"Whenever you disperse traffic, you will open up new areas, and housing will increase.
"The integrated model will help us to develop housing areas and road networks near Kuching," he told reporters after launching the Jalan Batu Kawa-Jalan Stephen Yong road on Wednesday (Nov 11).
Abang Johari also said new roads were being planned in Petra Jaya, Matang and Bako-Buntal to provide alternative routes for motorists.
"What is important is reducing driving time to about 30 minutes," he said.
He also said the new Jalan Batu Kawa-Jalan Stephen Yong road aimed to reduce congestion in Batu Kawa, a rapidly developing suburb of Kuching.
He said this would be complemented by widening the existing Jalan Malihah from Matang to a dual carriageway
"We want to coordinate traffic flow in Batu Kawa, where the roads have become more congested due to population growth and more housing areas," he said.
Deputy Premier Datuk Douglas Uggah said the RM207.88mil project would connect the Batu Kawa-Matang junction at Sungai Moyan to the Jalan Stephen Yong junction along a new 5.6km route.
The double-carriageway road will be built to the Public Works Department's (JKR) U3 standard and include two bridges across Sungai Moyan and Sungai Sarawak Kiri.
"Once completed, it is expected to disperse about 30% of the existing traffic along Jalan Batu Kawa," he said.
Uggah also said the project was slightly ahead of schedule, currently at 12% completion.
Construction began on Feb 11 this year and is expected to finish on Feb 10, 2029.
