KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg believed electric buses can co-exist with hydrogen ones in the public transport system.
He said the vision is to pursue the use of vehicles that consume clean fuel because diesel buses will be gradually phased out.
“Our vision is to pursue the use of clean energy. Furthermore Sarawak is the electricity generation powerhouse in this region,” Johari said in his text of speech at the official product launch of Sarawak‘s 1st CRRC Electric City Bus at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), yesterday.
The text of his speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister who is Infrastructure Development and Transportation Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing.
“It is more important to have a more holistic approach in the development of our public transportation system in terms of design, planning and implementation. Building roads and flyovers are not long-term solutions. That is why the Sarawak government is initiating the LRT project in Kuching.
“Even though we have to put the LRT project on hold to focus more on rural water and electricity supplies, roads and bridges to narrow the development gap between urban and rural areas, some suggested that we should proceed with the LRT project, maybe just the Samarahan-Kuching sector which is badly congested daily,” he said.
“We will consider this and make known to all our final decision at the appropriate time.”
Johari added that many states in Malaya have been providing free bus services and the Sarawak government may consider providing the same.
“We will conduct a comprehensive study on this people-centric initiative. We believe this will not only solve the traffic congestion in urban areas, and more importantly reduce the high cost of living for the urban and rural poor and will generally benefit all Sarawakians,” he said.
The Chief Minister also welcomed CRRC proposal in considering and exploring the possibility of setting up an electric bus assembly plant in collaboration with a local company in Kuching for the local and regional market.
“It is a good marketing strategy initiated by CRRC and Sarawak can become their platform for the Asean market,” he said.
Meanwhile, the privately-funded pilot bus service is provided free to all locals and tourists for three months and will commence operation early next year.
This electric bus costing between RM1.2 million and RM1.4 million will be equipped with 5 CCTVs, wheelchairs, free WiFi, Video Passenger Counter, broadcasting content control system, and a GPS bus tracking system app.
Managing director of HENZ Pacific Sdn Bhd, Henry Lai, said the CRRC electric bus can carry up to 53 passengers – 26 seated, 26 standing, and a space for one wheelchair.
He said fully charged the electric bus can travel for 300km, enough for one day. He said the prototype will start operation early next year, the date of which will be announced probably before Chinese New Year.
It will be making six trips per day from 7am to 6pm and will cover Route 101 – Satok Market, Main Bazaar and I-com Square.
Masing disclosed at a press conference later that there will be more than 100 electric buses and they will be delivered in batches.
“We will start in Kuching first and later on will be used in other bigger towns and cities like Sibu, Miri and Bintulu,” he said.
“The electric buses will make for a clean environment. That is why the Chief Minister is keen in having them. The Federal government wanted to give us diesel buses before. They are a bit cheaper but in the long run they would pollute the environment.
