BINTULU: The Sarawak government will study the feasibility of also introducing the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) public transport system here.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this in light of the growing population here.
“Bintulu has to have a smooth traffic flow with Kidurong and Samalaju.
“So after the implementation of the ART in Kuching (is completed), we will conduct a study to develop a good public transport system through the development of ART here,” he said.
He said this during the Progressive Democratic Party’s (PDP) Chinese New Year Open House at the Dewan Suarah here Sunday (Feb 18).
On a related note, Abang Johari said, Bintulu has received several foreign investments that have had a high impact on the development of Sarawak, such as Longi Malaysia, which will develop solar-based renewable energy.
“They will invest in expanding their factory on a 100-acre site to produce solar-based renewable energy, with an expenditure of RM1.3 billion. As a result, this would create approximately 1,000 job opportunities here,” he said.
He said with Sarawak moving towards a green economy and focusing on hydrogen production, there are also investments from Korea and Japan in these areas.
“All these investments are due to our stability and outsiders have confidence in us. That is why they are investing their money in Sarawak, particularly here.
“As a result, our economy is becoming stronger day by day. And we must create a conducive environment in managing our economy,” he said.
In another development, he said the government will expand the areas under Bintulu Development Authority’s (BDA) jurisdiction.
“We want to widen the BDA boundary to include Sebauh and Tatau. In other words, we can plan Bintulu’s development right up to the border that is Sebauh and Tatau which will give space for us to design our housing facilities,” he said.
“Most importantly, let us work together toward the Sarawak agenda to be a high income economy and developed region in Malaysia by 2030,” said Abang Johari.
Among those present were Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture and PDP president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing; Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; PDP deputy president Datuk Henry Harry Jinep; senior vice president Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil; Tanjung Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang; Bawang Assan assemblyman Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh; and Engkilili assemblyman Dr Johnichal Rayong Ngipa.
