KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg announced recently that the State’s light rail transit (LRT) system will be ready by 2020.
The announcement has received mixed reaction among Kuchingites.
New Sarawak Tribune interviewed some members of the public relating to the LRT system which will connect Kuching, Samarahan and Serian divisions by 2020.
Olivia, 26, said that with LRT system connecting the three divisions, she agreed that it would reduce traffic congestion which is worsening daily.
“With the LRT system, the public will have more choices of transportation to go to work, schools and good for the local tourism industry as it will attract more tourists to come to our state,” she said.
Olivia added that with the LRT system more time will be saved and city dwellers can be more punctual for work and do not have to worry about traffic jams. Commuters can also save more money, if the tickets that fuel consumption.
Meanwhile, Jee Ching Foong, 25, a private college student here said that she supported the LRT idea but the timing is wrong.
“For me, I think it is better that the government improve our public transportation services first, such as the bus services. Only then can the government decide whether to construct the LRT
system.
“Use the money for better use such as upgrading the bus system, maintaining heritage buildings in our city and for rural development,” she said, adding that the LRT system is not what some of the public really want at the moment but what is needed is better bus services.
“Why not use the money to build better roads and schools in the rural areas as there are many children in the rural areas who do not have the opportunity to go to school because of no proper transportation, roads and schools.
“We need to start providing better education for people in the rural areas, especially the young ones, as they are our future assets and remember Tok Nan’s message which is to bridge the gap between the urban and rural areas,” Jee pointed out.
Guyron Man, 27, a MyEG officer said it is good to have LRT system as one of the public transportation systems in our state.
“It will be the main transportation for all in Sarawak because we are really fed up with traffic congestions where we can be stuck in traffic jam for an hour or two, especially during peak hours on our major roads.
“At least by having and using the LRT system, these problems can be avoided. Indeed we actually need the LRT system now because Kuala Lumpur already have it and of course we in Sarawak also want the LRT system,” he pointed out,
He said with the construction of the LRT system it will also help the country to achieve ‘Vision 2020’.
