KOTA SAMARAHAN: Residents and students here were euphoric when Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that the first phase of the light rail transit (LRT) system from Kuching to Kota Samarahan will be implemented soon.
The New Sarawak Tribune conducted a street poll and all those interviewed gave their thumbs-up for the project.
Deputy Vice Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Prof Dr Datuk Mohd Fadzil Abd Rahman described the implementation of the LRT as timely, viable and not lavish.
He said the project will not only benefit the 35,000 students studying at the three higher learning institutions, namely Unimas, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) and Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG) Kota Samarahan but also other members of the public, especially locals, workers and the business communities.
“For the students, the LRT system will definitely benefit them a lot because for those staying outside their campuses, the system will ease their transportation issue,” he said.
Mohd Fadzil said vast development has caused massive traffic jam in Kota Samarahan, especially along the expressway.
“Besides easing traffic jam the LRT facilities would also provide cheaper fares not just for students but also members of the public,” he said, adding that its implementation is justified given the present pace of development taking place in Kota Samarahan.
“Those working adults will also have better option; they can drive their own cars to workplace or take the LRT, which will surely avoid unnecessary traffic jam,” he said.
Mohd Fadzil said the public transport system (LRT) will help to connect Kota Samarahan from all angles including Asajaya, Kota Sentosa, Padawan and Serian.
“Some people might think that the LRT project is a waste of public fund but if we have an open mind and we look at the developed states and countries we have to accept the fact that the facilities are also needed in Kota Samarahan.
“It is not about being lavish but let us look at it openly and accept the fact that the rapid pace of development and the situation there now need such a facility to ease the daily massive traffic jam,” he said.
Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman Datuk Peter Minos said the people of Samarahan are very happy with the project.
It will surely help improve travelling from Kota Samarahan to Kuching and back, adding that Unimas, UiTM and IPG Kota Samarahan have a combined student and staff population of about 40,000, Minos said adding there are more than 40,000 residential houses in Kota Samarahan now.
“They all want better transport and travelling convenience, and speaking as chairman of Kota Samarahan Municipal Council, I must thank the chief minister for approving the project.
“We need it badly. Those opposing can say what they want but we at council and Samarahan (Division) need and want the LRT,” he stressed.
Senior Assistant Registrar at Unimas, Christina Lurve, said the LRT project will definitely benefit all Samarahan communities especially university students in the area.
“However, the project might take five years or more to complete, therefore in the mean time the government should think of alternative ways to reduce the road congestion in Samarahan.
“As regular users of Samarahan roads, we fervently hope for alternative roads to the airport and to Kuching as these will benefit those working in Kuching but staying in Samarahan,” she said.
Of course when the LRT project is operational later the public have the option either to drive their own vehicles or use public transport (LRT), she pointed out.
Meanwhile, 22-year-old Service Economic student at Unimas, Genevieve Lawrence, regarded the announcement as “good news” for residents of Samarahan, especially students.
“Students are very happy because they can take LRT from their homes to their universities, and also to Kuching for other purposes, including doing researches.
“With the LRT, it not only reduces their expenses but also their travelling time,” added Genevieve.
A holder of a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration with UiTM Kota Samarahan, Fiona Wilson, 24, also welcomes the implementation of the LRT project to Kota Samarahan, which she believes will resolve traffic congestion being faced daily in the area.
Residing in Kota Samarahan, Fiona said she and her other family members have to face the traffic congestion every day. Another respondent, Amy Abdul, said as a resident of Kota Samarahan she definitely welcomes LRT service here as it will surely help to solve traffic jam.
“The LRT service will help to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and thus, reduce traffic congestion and helps ease traffic flow,” she added. She is also of the opinion that the LRT will be a boon to the thousands of students in Samarahan who travel a lot because of their research activities.
