LETTER | The lack of overhead pedestrian bridges in Kuching is not merely an oversight; it is a growing public safety crisis.
As traffic volume increases in our developing city, so too does the risk to pedestrians, particularly schoolchildren, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, who are forced to navigate dangerously busy roads without proper crossing infrastructure.
Overhead pedestrian bridges are a fundamental feature of safe urban planning. They separate pedestrian movement from vehicle traffic, reduce accidents, and promote accessibility.
Yet, many key roads in Kuching, including Jalan Tun Jugah, Jalan Song, Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce, Jalan Wan Alwi and Jalan Lapangan Terbang, still lack these critical structures.
The consequences are dire: near-misses, collisions, and fatalities have become tragically common.
Other cities across Asia have taken decisive action.
Singapore has installed over 500 pedestrian bridges, many fitted with lifts and ramps.
Tokyo and Seoul have integrated pedestrian bridges into their public transport and urban design systems, improving both safety and walkability.
Bangkok responded to high pedestrian fatality rates by constructing numerous overhead bridges, especially near schools and intersections.
Kuching must not lag behind. The lack of overhead bridges is not just a planning issue; it is a life-or-death matter. Without urgent intervention, more lives may be lost due to preventable accidents.
We call on relevant authorities to:
Prioritise the construction of overhead pedestrian bridges at key high-traffic locations.
Ensure these structures are accessible to all, including the elderly and disabled.
Engage with urban planners to create long-term pedestrian-friendly infrastructure in line with global best practices.
The time to act is now. Kuching must invest in infrastructure that protects its people, not after tragedy strikes, but before.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
