KUCHING: The Sarawak government’s initiatives such as free bus service for schoolchildren and water subsidy for every household throughout the state, have been warmly welcomed.
Yesterday, New Sarawak Tribune went to the ground and asked for the public’s feedback on both initiatives announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg in the State 2020 Budget on Monday during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting.
Four SMK Kuching High students aged 16 gave their comments on the free bus service starting next year.
Sameen Phung said the service would save the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emission.
“This service is cost effective for low income households and will help ease traffic congestion.”
Chong Rui En was pleased to hear this great news, “I have been using the bus to go to school every day for the past four years and to find out that it will be free for students, of course, it is good news. It is free!”
Dazelyn Alicia gave her thoughts on the news, “For me, it is nice, because not everyone can afford to pay. Nowadays, the school bus fees are quite expensive.”
Samantha Chuo stated, “I think it is good because it is very convenient for families that are unable to drive their children to school.”
Shane Noel, 21, an OPPO sales assistant shared his opinion on the free service, “From my perspective, it is a good move as only a few kids in my neighbourhood use buses to school.
“Most of them walk to a location where the school bus driver wants to stop because the driver is not paid enough to stop by in my neighbourhood.
“So making it possible for any students to hop on any school bus that passes by will ease the burdens of the students and their parents.”
“What a good initiative by the Sarawak government,” Afida said.
She added that it was good for low income parents who did not have to take a break to pick up their children at noon.
“However, the safety of the children must be ensured. Maybe schools can advise families on the transport options available including the nearest bus routes, etc.”
Cleo lauded the initiatives since most families in the rural areas already had to spend on other things for their children’s education such as pocket money for food, books and new school shoes.
“Therefore, saving on the transportation expenses is great for these less fortunate families,” she said.
On the water subsidy, a housewife known as Elsie, 51, said, “There are many good things in the State 2020 Budget. Hopefully, they can be fulfilled by the government.
“Of course, such subsidies are good for the low income group and retirees.”
Afida Khasuma Zaidi, 38, a Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology lecturer gave her comments on the matter saying that, “It is terrific. This water subsidy plan will help to lessen the financial burden of people in Sarawak.”
Cleo Frostl, 21, an Open University Malaysia student said, “This is very good since houses these days are costly. Thus, helping in the starting expenses of the water bill can be very beneficial even though it is not much.
“In that case, new home owners would not have to worry much about the water bill at first, and they can focus on saving more for the future bills.”
She pointed out that some people could take advantage of the free water and waste it.
Louis Johnny, 49, a general worker said that such plan was a good thing.
“If I could wish for more, I would rather prefer to have subsidy applied to our electricity bill. Because that is much more important.”
