Padungan rep to table motion on Sarawak Public Transport Consultative Committee
KUCHING: Padungan assemblyman Wong King Wei will table a motion in the State Legislative Assembly proposing to set up a Sarawak Public Transport Consultative Committee (SPTCC).
According to the DAP law-maker, the proposed committee’s role is to advise the state government on the design of a Public Transport Master Plan.
He stressed through a press statement yesterday the importance of comprehensive planning in developing public transport and cautioned against implementing any capricious plan.
Wong submitted his motion to the DUN secretariat on April 30.
He said the establishment of the SPTCC was necessary to avoid hasty implementation of public transport projects based merely on the chief minister’s experience during a recent trip to the United Kingdom, without any consultation with relevant stakeholders or an in- depth study.
“The government must not play to the gallery by implementing impractical and wasteful projects. Worthy projects must achieve the greatest good for the people.”
Wong added that the proposed light rail transit ( LRT) system to connect Kuching, Samarahan and Serian divisions could easily cost RM10 billion to RM20 billion.
He labelled the proposed project as ‘ the most ludicrous transport plan’ that he had ever seen.
“LRT is originally meant for areas with high population density, and needs to be supported by a comprehensive bus network. I don’t believe there is any urban public transport expert who will agree with this LRT system.”
However, he said he would laud the move if what the chief minister meant was to create a railway network to improve connectivity between towns.
He was quick to add that an appropriate railway system was definitely not LRT but high-speed rail.
“In addition, the need is not just to connect Kuching and Serian; a consequential rail system must include connectivity with other cities and smaller towns in Sarawak.
“I have highlighted the need for a railway system that connects cities and towns in Sarawak many times during DUN sittings. This is not called LRT. I am very worried, if Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg does not know the difference between LRT and high- speed rail.”
As such, he said the SPTCC should be set up to comprise both government and opposition elected representatives as well experts in public transport and urban planning to provide evidence-based recommendations to the chief minister.