I will be tabling a motion in this State Legislative Assembly sitting, proposing the establishment of the Sarawak Public Transport Consultative Committee (SPTCC), whose role is to advise the state government on the design of a Public Transport Master Plan.
I had officially submitted my motion to the State Legislative Assembly on 30 April. The establishment of the SPTCC is necessary to avoid hasty implementation of public transport projects based merely on the Chief Minister’s experience during a recent UK trip, without any consultation with relevant stakeholders or in-depth study.
The government should not play to the gallery by implementing impractical and wasteful projects. Worthy projects must achieve the greatest good for the people.
For example, the proposed LRT system to connect Kuching, Samarahan and Serian, which could easily cost RM10-20 billion. In my opinion, the proposed LRT project is the most ludicrous transport plan I have 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 ala Abang Jo’.
I think the intention to create a railroad network to improve connectivity between towns is commendable, if this is what Abang Johari meant.
However, the appropriate railway system is 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 railroad system that connects various cities and towns in Sarawak many times during State Assembly sittings. This is not called LRT. I am very worried, if Abang Johari does not know the difference between LRT and high speed rail.
Therefore, I propose the setting up of the Sarawak Public Transport Consultative Committee, comprising both government and opposition elected representatives, and specialists in public transport and urban planning, whose role is to provide evidence-based recommendations to the Chief Minister.