By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Oct 17: Ten double-decker buses, the first in Sarawak, have been added to the Bus Asia fleet, to serve routes from Kuching to Miri and even Pontianak of Indonesia.
Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin emphasised that this marked a significant milestone, especially for Kuching City’s public transportation system, and reflected the ministry’s commitment to innovation in the transport sector.
“We are thrilled that Kuching City has double-decker buses now.
“Our cities and towns are where most economic activities including tourism, trade, finance and services are happening. Hence, we must constantly develop our urban transportation system to facilitate growth of the urban population,” he said when launching Bus Asia’s double-decker buses and their first ever logistics Prime Movers trucks at its terminal in Mile 4 here today.
These double-decker buses have already been deployed in Kuching, covering routes to Sadong Jaya, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, Kanowit, Song, Kapit, Bintulu and Miri within Sarawak, as well as to Pontianak, Indonesia.
The bus fare for travel within Kuching Division, Sadong Jaya up to Serian, is set at a flat rate of RM1.
Lee highlighted the positive impact of public transportation, emphasising how it not only connects people to jobs, education, healthcare and essential services, but also reduces the burden on urban roads, making cities more liveable, accessible and less congested.
“Traffic congestion affects us all and has taken a toll on us physically and mentally. And it is our collective responsibility in solving this issue.
“Investing in the public transportation system is not just about buses; it’s about investing in our rakyat’s future. My ministry together with private stakeholders such as bus operators are dedicated to making public transport more reliable, affordable, and accessible,” he added.
Biaramas Express Sdn Bhd’s (the operator of Bus Asia) manager Lai Sin Kiong that the Sarawak government will continue to subsidise bus fares to maintain the RM1 flat rate, which is appreciated by many Sarawakians, especially the lower-income group and the elderly.
He also reaveled the company’s intention to expand services to more strategic routes, serving Bandar Semariang, Buntal-Santubong, Telaga Air, Jalan Puncak Borneo, and Bau in the near future.
Expressing hope Sarawak Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) will approve its route expansion, he took the opportunity to thank them for their collaboration all these while and issuance of permits that has enabled the buses to ply the streets in Sarawak.
“We are also thankful to CVLB for granting two cargo permits which allowed our company to expand into cargo logistics. I hope CVLB will grant us the opportunity to serve the Kuching to Singkawang (in Kalimantan, Indonesia) sector in the near future,” he added.
Sarawak Business Federation president Datuk Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg, Biaramas Express directors Lai Chon Foo and Lai Sam Tee as well as representatives from Road Transport Department Sarawak were among those present. — DayakDaily
