KUCHING, May 24: State Transport Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, has shot down the allegation by the opposition that the implementation of the Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) is a “political decision” is unfounded and baseless.
He pointed out the idea to modernise urban public transport system in Sarawak was mooted back in 2009 by Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg who was then the Minister for Housing and Urban Development.
“He (Abang Johari) was already thinking ahead of his time on how to improve and modernise the transport system in Sarawak especially in Kuching City,” Lee said in his winding up speech in the afternoon session of Day 6 of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Tuesday.
Lee said a Feasibility Study was conducted in 2017 by Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and it was completed in 2018.
“The study was carried out by competent Consultants who concluded that an urban public transport system is needed to address Kuching’s growing population.
“The demand for a reliable and efficient transport system was deduced from the same feasibility study,” he clarified.
Additionally, he said the Sarawak Government did not neglect the operation of the stage bus services as one of the main mode of transports in Kuching, noting that it had introduced the RM1.00 Flat Rate Bus Fare Subsidy Programme to help revive the services.
Earlier, Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong questioned whether the ART project was identified and decided upon based on public transport demand.
“I wish to reiterate that the GPS Government will only implement major projects after a proper study has been carried out.
“The findings suggested that the project should proceed based on the financial viability and technical feasibility,” he concluded. – TVS
