KUCHING: Sarawak is making significant strides in transforming its transport system under the leadership of Premier Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin pointed to the establishment of the Ministry of Transport Sarawak in 2019 as a pivotal move to accelerate the state’s transport transformation.
He said that among its landmark projects is the hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) under the Kuching Urban Transport System (KUTS), aimed at revolutionizing urban mobility.
He also noted the successful implementation of the free smart bus project in Miri, which commenced operations in October last year.
“The initiative has received positive feedback from the public,” he said.
Lee, who is the Senadin assemblyman, lauded the Sarawak government’s move to improve air connectivity and ensure affordable airfare by taking steps to acquire MASwings and establish a Sarawak-based airline.
Additionally, he acknowledged the broader achievements of Premier Abang Johari since taking office in January 2017.
He credited the Premier’s focus on fostering a digital and green economy, with over 120 initiatives planned and implemented to date.
These initiatives include financial assistance programs such as the RM500 Senior Citizen Health Benefit, the Sarawak Endowment Fund providing RM1,000 for every newborn in the state, and post-natal allowances for Sarawakian mothers.
“Recent measures include the acquisition of a majority stake in Affin Bank, the takeover of Bintulu Port, and the announcement of free university education for Sarawakian students at government-owned universities starting in 2026.
“Other initiatives include the Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) program, RM1,200 in pocket money for Sarawakian tertiary students studying in Malaysia, and the provision of laptops and book vouchers for these students,” he added.
On the political front, Lee highlighted Abang Johari’s decision to form Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in 2018, which has bolstered the state’s political stability.
GPS, he asserted, achieved a landslide victory in the 2021 Sarawak Election, winning 76 out of 82 seats, and securing 23 out of 31 parliamentary seats in the 2022 General Election.
“Under the Premier’s visionary leadership, Sarawak is on track to achieve high-income status by 2030,” Lee said.
