KUCHING: Sarawak is expected to implement Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) public transport system by 2025, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the system is currently under study by the Ministry of Transport and Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).
“I have given a certain date for the ministry to complete the study and once it reaches completion, we will procure the coaches.
“I do not know when exactly we can start to construct the lane as it depends on the completion of the study. But definitely, we are going to start with Kuching and Samarahan.
“If possible, the public transport will be ready by 2025. Then, we will go towards our goal in becoming developed state by 2030,” he said in a press conference after launching Block Pandelela in P’Residence at Batu Kawa here, yesterday.
Abang Johari said that initially, he promised to implement Light Rail Transit (LRT) transportation system in the state by 2020. However, he had to delay the project due to many people opposing the idea and saying the project will be a waste of money.
“That is why I slowed down the project and after further study, we have found an alternative to LRT which is the new mode of transport — ART.
“This is something very new and it is better than LRT as it does not function on rails but instead, on tires. Thus, it is cheaper compared to LRT,” he said, adding that Korea, Japan and China have already implemented ART.
He also said that once the ART has started with the Kota Samarahan-Kuching route, the next project would be Batu Kawa to Bau and Bau to Sematan routes.
“In time to come under the 12th Malaysia Plan, we will connect all these areas with ART and that will give convenient connectivity from Kuching to these areas.
“Definitely, the routes will include Batu Kawa to Bau, Bau to Lundu as well as Sematan to Lundu. From there, we will be connected in a circular route and go back to Pantai Damai area.
“The development of this facility will benefit not just the locals but also foreign visitors,” he said.
