LETTER | In view of the worsening traffic congestion in Tawau, I urge Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is scheduled to visit Tawau, to inspect the situation on the ground and initiate the Coastal Dual Carriageway project.

The aim is to provide better road alternatives for the people of Tawau and ease the severe congestion along Jalan Apas.

Due to Tawau’s underdeveloped public transportation system, residents often rely heavily on private vehicles to commute. 

Because of this, more and more private vehicles are on the road. According to information from local car businesses in Tawau, the current average number of vehicles on the road daily is about 30,000. This growing number will inevitably lead to congestion along the main routes.

This is particularly true along Jalan Apas, which connects the outskirts to Tawau. It is the only access road for vehicles coming from other towns to enter Tawau town centre. Whether during peak hours or non-peak periods, this stretch remains heavily congested.

I raised this issue during a recent state assembly sitting by questioning the Public Works Department on whether the Coastal Dual Carriageway project would be implemented, and appealed to the prime minister to expedite the commencement of the project.

Meanwhile, large-scale development projects continue to expand in Taway, such as in the densely populated Bandar Sri Indah and Prima Ranggu areas.

If residents from these areas want to go to the town centre, their only route is Jalan Apas. During peak hours, the traffic jam can stretch up to 2km.

Since the Coastal Highway is part of the Pan Borneo Highway project, I hope that when Anwar arrives in Tawau, he will truly listen to the people and understand their needs, and bring good news on the commencement of the Coastal Dual Carriageway project for the people of Tawau.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.