Latest news with #MinistryofTransportSarawak
Borneo Post
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
Sarawak to expand traffic parks, revive road safety games for students
Lee (raising the checkered racing flag) symbolically launches the competition in a group photo with the participants and guests. Photo from Ukas KUCHING (June 21): The Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) plans to increase the number of traffic parks across the state under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) as part of efforts to strengthen road safety education among school students, said its Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. He said there are currently six traffic parks in Sarawak, which are maintained and upgraded using government funds allocated to local councils. 'We will increase the number of these traffic parks so that every part of Sarawak has a traffic park,' he told the media after officiating the Sarawak Traffic Games (STG)- Kuching 2025 at Kenyalang Traffic Garden today. On the STG, Lee said the revival of the competition serves as an effective platform to educate and raise road safety awareness, especially among the younger generation. He explained that the goal is to reduce road accidents by teaching participants about traffic rules and safe driving through a simulated learning environment. 'Based on the feedback we received, many participants who participated in this competition over 40 years ago still remember the rules they learned to this day,' he said. Lee added that the simulated road environment used in the games had a deep and lasting impact on the participants. 'There is a traffic police presence, and if any offence occurs, a summons is issued immediately. Some participants even cried after being summoned. 'I see this approach as an impactful and very effective method, so my ministry takes the initiative to revive this program,' he explained. The competition, formerly known as the Shell Traffic Games, was first introduced in 1963 through a strategic collaboration between the Sarawak government and Shell Malaysia. It was last held in 2015 and has since been rebranded as the Sarawak Traffic Games in 2024. Meanwhile,the STG – Kuching edition saw the participation of more than 200 students from 10 schools around Kuching including SK St Teresa, SK Kenyalang, SMK Green Road and SMK Pending. STG 2025 officially began in November 2024, with Miri hosting the first leg of the series. The competition will run until November 2025 and will be held at existing traffic parks in Kuching, Sri Aman, Sibu, Bintulu, Miri, and Sarikei, which were specifically developed for road safety simulations. Meanwhile, Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said said the return of the competition to Kuching after a 10-year hiatus holds great significance. 'The last time we hosted this programme was in 2015. Many in our community have fond memories of it—and today, we are delighted that those memories can now be passed on to a new generation,' he said. He added the Kenyalang Traffic Garden itself has over 50 years of history. 'The revival of STG here is more than just symbolic—it reflects a renewed commitment to educating our children in the most engaging and impactful ways possible.' Lee Kim Shin ministry of transport sarawak road safety traffic parks
Borneo Post
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
Sarawak records 6,724 road accidents as of April 2025, says Transport Minister
Lee helps a motorcyclist fasten his helmet BINTULU (May 15): Sarawak recorded 6,724 road accidents from January to April this year, resulting in 120 deaths, 47 serious injuries, and 102 minor injuries, said state Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. Citing data from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), he noted that the vast majority of these incidents, totalling 6,502 cases, involved only vehicle damage. However, he highlighted that 108 of the total accidents were fatal, emphasising the severe consequences of negligence on the road. Lee said this to reporters during the Sarawak-Level Road Safety Campaign for Gawai Dayak 2025 at Petronas petrol station Jalan Sibiyu today. According to Lee, the Sarawak Police Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) identified rear-end collisions as the leading cause of accidents, with 2,236 cases recorded. Other causes of accidents include skidding due to speeding (1,481 cases), side collisions at junctions (1,421), sideswipes (381), and head-on collisions (281), along with additional factors such as reversing, hitting objects or animals, rollovers, and pedestrian collisions. 'These numbers reflect one sobering truth: driver behaviour remains the primary cause of accidents,' he said. He stressed the profound impact of each accident, representing an altered life, an affected family, and a potentially lost future. Adding to the concern, Lee noted that the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) reported that motorcyclists and youths continue to be the most at-risk groups in fatal crashes nationwide, a trend also observed in Sarawak. In response, he said the Ministry of Transport Sarawak has launched a Gawai-themed road safety sticker initiative, inspired by previous festive efforts. 'These vibrant stickers, adorned with cartoon characters in traditional Dayak attire, aim to deliver critical safety messages in a creative, engaging format to Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who are known to appreciate such collectables,' he explained. He pointed out that while festive seasons bring joy, they also lead to a surge in traffic volume and associated risks. 'We want to celebrate Gawai with happiness, not grief. These small initiatives can make a big difference in fostering a safety-first mindset,' he said. The campaign is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Transport Sarawak, the Bintulu Resident's Office, the Bintulu Division Road Safety Council, and Petronas Dagangan Berhad. Also present to show their support to the campaign were Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang Leong Ming and Jepak assemblyman Iskandar Turkee. lead Lee Kim Shin Sarawak-Level Road Safety Campaign for Gawai Dayak 2025
Borneo Post
25-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Key northern Sarawak transport infrastructure projects progressing well, says Lee
Lee (seated centre) with attendees at the Hari Raya Aidilfitri dinner. MIRI (April 25): The Ministry of Transport Sarawak is making steady progress on key infrastructure projects across northern Sarawak, said Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. He cited the Free Smart Bus service, which benefits students and senior citizens here. 'The Free Smart Bus is part of our vision to provide public transport that is user-friendly, environmentally conscious, and inclusive,' he noted during the ministry's Hari Raya Aidilfitri dinner here for stakeholders and the community. He confirmed that the Miri Airport expansion project is finally set to begin, with the aim to meet increasing passenger demand and boost regional connectivity. On road transport, Lee said the Miri Lorry Terminal project has moved to a new phase, with a retender launched in February. 'Once completed, this terminal will reorganise lorry operations which are currently scattered across various parts of the city,' he said, adding that the project is expected to take 18 months to complete. On the upgrading of the Sungai Tujuh Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security (CIQS) Complex, he said the RM3.57 million project that began in March is scheduled for completion by the year's end. The upgraded facility is expected to ease congestion and improve the flow of cross-border traffic. Lee also reflected on Sarawak's multicultural identity, emphasising the importance of unity. 'Here in Sarawak, we take pride in celebrating all festivals together. This is our strength and one we must continue to nurture,' he stated, noting that the dinner was not only a platform to share project updates, but also an opportunity to strengthen ties with the community.
