Sarawak Implements Goods Vehicle Ban for Safer Hari Raya Travel

Sarawak Festive Season Road Safety Measures

KUCHING: To ensure a smooth and safe journey during the Hari Raya celebrations, Sarawak will implement a temporary ban on goods vehicles, aligning with the Federal Government’s road safety measures.

State Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin stated that the restriction will be enforced on specific dates, which will be announced soon.

“We are coordinating with the Road Transport Department (JPJ), and they will issue an official notice. A similar measure was introduced during Chinese New Year, as it has been a long-standing practice during major festive seasons,” he mentioned at a Hari Raya road safety campaign launch on Wednesday (March 12).

Federal Transport Minister Anthony Loke previously announced that the nationwide ban on goods vehicles would take effect on March 29-30 and April 5-6, coinciding with Hari Raya.

Reducing Traffic Congestion and Accidents

He explained that the restriction aims to prevent congestion and reduce accident risks caused by the mix of heavy commercial vehicles and private cars during peak travel periods.

“During major holidays, roads are already congested with private vehicles traveling between states and cities. The presence of heavy goods vehicles further complicates traffic conditions, increasing the likelihood of accidents. By temporarily restricting them, we can enhance road safety for all road users,” Loke stated.

Similar restrictions have been enforced during other festive seasons, such as Chinese New Year, to manage traffic flow effectively. The government believes that this move will provide smoother travel experiences and prevent unnecessary delays.

Hari Raya Road Safety Awareness Campaign

As part of Sarawak’s efforts to enhance road safety, a state-wide campaign will be launched in Mukah on March 17, with green Raya packets distributed to promote safe driving habits.

“Building on the success of our Chinese New Year red packet campaign, we are introducing a special Hari Raya edition featuring safety reminders. These packets highlight key road safety messages such as wearing seat belts, using helmets, and following speed limits,” Lee said.

Decorated with cartoon illustrations of Sarawak’s diverse transport network, including roads, rivers, and the state’s airline, AirBorneo, the green packets reinforce the importance of cautious driving.

“Our goal is for everyone to reach their destinations safely and celebrate Hari Raya with their loved ones. Please be responsible on the roads,” he added.

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