By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 28: The Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system will not stop in Kuching but extend to Serian and beyond Samarahan as part of Sarawak’s long-term plan to develop smart and green cities.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the ART project, which is currently under development, will be implemented in phases to provide seamless connectivity between Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) and Serian District Council (MDS).
“Although these local authorities have their own jurisdictions, there must be interconnection between all five.
“That is why for our future plan, ART will start from Kuching to Serian and extend beyond Samarahan in the long term,” he said when officiating at the earth-breaking ceremony for MPP’s new headquarters at Mile 12, Jalan Kuching-Serian today.
He further said such a plan is in line with Sarawak’s smart city concept which focuses on reducing carbon emissions and creating an environmentally friendly and healthy living environment.
“One of the main causes of health issues is polluted air. When we breathe, what goes into our lungs is dust because the air is not clean.
“That is why we (Sarawak) are shifting to hydrogen because it produces no smoke; the only emission is water from the exhaust,” he added.
Abang Johari also recalled his childhood days when public buses used to emit thick smoke.
“When I was small, my village had the Chin Lian Long Bus No. 7, which emitted thick smoke. We were inhaling that polluted air and it affected our health.
“That is why the benchmark of a smart city is how well we manage urban mobility, traffic flow and vehicle movement within our areas,” he stressed. – DayakDaily
