Sarawak LRT takes backseat to basic infrastructure needs

KUCHING (August 2): Sarawak’s proposed light rail transit (LRT) system that is estimated to cost RM10.8bil, will undergo review by the state government to determine the necessity of the project.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, quoted by the Star, said the state government would prioritise basic infrastructure development in rural areas.

“LRT is one way for us to modernise our public transport. But before that happens, we have to plan it properly and it also involves cost implications.

“I have requested the authorities plan the LRT, but we also need funds for basic rural amenities,” he said during a high tea with the media, reported the Star.

Based on the master plan, the LRT, which had initially been estimated to be operational by 2024, would be implemented only if there was a real need, due to congestion.

“Say for example Kuching to Samarahan is very congested. If there is a need, maybe we will do that portion only.

“If other areas want it and the volume is there, we do another portion. So the implementation depends on need.

“But the master plan must be there from Serian to Kuching and the lines that we have identified are there in the master plan,” he said, as reported by the Star.

The proposed project’s master plan included the Damai Line, 59.7km from Muara Tuang in Samarahan to Damai, the Serian Line,  84km from Serian to Senari port in Muara Tebas and a dispersal line of 11km in the city centre.

Speaking to the daily on the coastal highway project, Abang Johari said it was expected to start construction next year.

“It is in the process of tendering and perhaps by the middle of next year the first portion will start,” he said.

He also said the state government was looking into abolishing ferry fares next year to further reduce the financial burden of rural folk.

“We are now calculating how much it will cost the state government. By next year we will abolish ferry charges across Sarawak,” he said.
 Late chief minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem in 2015 had previously reduced fares to a flat rate of RM1.