By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Sept 30: The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Sarawak government is remaining steadfast about its intention to build the hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system despite several quarters questioning its feasibility.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this when officiating at the 2022 Sheda Property Expo opening ceremony at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
“Some people are not happy with the ART, they question why should we spend so much or whether this is the right time to build the ART.
“But as far as the GPS government is concerned, we are firm because we look at the future,” he asserted.
He said the project, once successful, would garner Sarawak international recognition as a green State.
“Anything that comes from Sarawak will then be green. And that is the market point,” he added.
From the aspect of housing development, Abang Johari explained that ART could also benefit the developers by providing flexibility in their choices of housing sites.
When different corners of Sarawak are all interconnected with ART, he said, developers would not be bound to building houses in only certain areas.
“Once we have that connectivity, it will be easier for people to move around. Mobility will be easier, meaning you can develop your housing anywhere.
“If the price (of this land) is too expensive, you find another land which is cheaper, and connected to ART services.
“And once we have flexibility in mobility with the ART infrastructure, then the city will develop laterally and be well-dispersed,” he said. — DayakDaily
