The RM3.36 million upgrading works on the Wireless Walk project, located in the heart of the city along North Yu Seng road, should be halted temporarily due to hygienic reason and traffic congestion.

PKR’s Miri MP Dr Michael Teo Yu Keng said after receiving numerous complaints and suggestions on the ongoing works of the project, it was better for the state government to temporarily suspend the project pending engagement and agreement with all stakeholders.

“The project was not requested by the public and it could worsen the traffic condition along the Wireless Walk road,” he said in a statement in Miri today.

Teo said besides traffic congestion, one of the issues that were raised by the business as well members of the public was the problem of overcrowding.

“They were concerned that the 500-metre Wireless Walk, with 66 stalls and 12 washrooms, will be overcrowded and unrealistic as each stall would be too small for any viable business,” he said.

In addition, he said, waste management and sanitation would be another issue that needed to be resolved before it could be commenced as it concerned health issues too.

He suggested that a traffic and environmental impact assessment be conducted before the project proceeds so that it would not bring any negative impact to the public as well as the city’s tourism image.

The Wireless Walk upgrading project started on Feb 9, 2018, and is expected to be completed by October this year.

It can accommodate 66 stalls and five food trucks selling food and drinks as well as Wifi facilities and 12 female and male public toilets.

For the record, North Yu Seng Road is one of the busiest roads in the city with many entertainment outlets, restaurants, hotels and homestays operating at the nearby areas.

- Bernama