KUCHING: The detailed study on the proposed Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project will start once the initial feasibility study which is now ongoing is completed in two months, said SEDC Chairman, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Abdul Aziz bin Dato Husain.
“The initial feasibility study is still ongoing. It is expected to be completed in two months and then the detailed study will start in order to determine the costs and how the construction will be done,” he told the media when met at the ‘Majlis Belaian Kasih with Residents of Rumah Seri Kenangan’ at Grand Margherita Hotel here yesterday.
Asked if the feasibility study required more visit to other countries, he pointed out that there was no need to visit other countries as the feasibility study can be done here.
“As mentioned it is not just the cost that matters but it is also how the LRT can contribute to the society as it will be the catalyst for the development and population distribution in this part of Sarawak.
“We went to a few countries to see what they have in terms of technology. We have been to Germany, France and the latest trip was to China, where we saw the hydrogen train in operation,” he said.
According to Aziz, the models of the hydrogen train to be used here would be from Germany and China. As for the fuel cells, it would be from Canada and other countries.
As announced by the Chief Minister, fuel cells or hydrogen fuel cell would be used to power the proposed LRT.
“It is the first in Malaysia and even in Southeast Asia, if we can start to do it later on. But the CM is also trying to bring electric buses as well as vehicles to attract tourists,” he said.
Aziz added that the proposed LRT project would be undertaken by the state government and implemented under SEDC.
“At the moment, we are looking at the routes such as from Damai to Kuching and then to Samarahan as well as to Serian for a start.
“As the Chief Minister said, there is also possibility that the route will also include Bau, Lundu and Sematan. But that might be in the long term,” Aziz said.
