By William Isau
SIBU, April 30: Lorry terminals will be built in major towns with Miri lorry terminal as the pilot project.
“I am happy to inform that the ministry has started the planning for the development of a dedicated parking space for heavy vehicles in Sarawak, starting with major towns,” said Transport Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin at the installation for new Sibu Lorry Association office bearers last night.
His speech text was read out by his representative, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Michael Tiang.
The lorry terminals would facilitate better movement of heavy vehicles and provide more efficient service to the business community, Lee said.
“At the same time, we are planning for a lorry terminal in Bintulu and also one in Sibu. Nevertheless, planning and development of these terminals may take some time. I urge you to be patient with us,” he said, adding the Sarawak government is still looking into successful examples of lorry terminals or logistic hubs in countries like Singapore and Thailand that it can emulate and build in Sarawak.
In line with this, the government is exploring a public-private partnership model to ensure financial sustainability of the terminals especially in terms of maintainence and management.
Lee also revealed his ministry is looking into upgrading infrastructure, and improving institutional and regulation frameworks to ensure the transport sector continues to play its role efficiently. — DayakDaily
