By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 14: Miri MP Chiew Choon Man hopes ongoing transport infrastructure projects and initiatives in Sarawak will continue under the next Transport Minister following Anthony Loke’s resignation.
In a statement, he said Loke had made significant contributions to Sarawak’s transport infrastructure during his combined six years in the ministry, particularly in improving connectivity and facilities in northern Sarawak.
“I believe Loke has taken a principled stand on what he believes justice demands. I respect his decision and, at the same time, wish to express my appreciation for his contributions towards the development of Sarawak’s transportation,” he said.
Among the major developments was the approval of the RM445 million Miri Airport upgrading project under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
The project will upgrade the airport into a two-level international facility and double its annual passenger handling capacity from approximately two million to four million, allowing for more domestic and international flights.
Another development for northern Sarawak is the RM28.7 million Federal allocation for a new Road Transport Department (JPJ) complex in Limbang, which is expected to improve facilities for officers and service delivery to surrounding communities.
Beyond infrastructure, Chiew highlighted Loke’s contributions to improving public transport, particularly through BAS.MY Kuching, Sarawak’s first federally funded stage bus service transformation programme, introduced on March 5, 2025.
The programme operates 56 new buses and had recorded more than 847,644 passenger journeys as of April 2026.
A total of 15,283 individuals have also registered for concession cards, which provide eligible students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities with a 30-day unlimited travel pass at RM30, compared with the standard RM50 fare.
The MP also credited Loke for supporting the MyLesen B2 Programme, which helps youths and those facing financial difficulties obtain motorcycle driving licences.
In Miri, more than 2,700 participants have obtained their licences through the programme since its implementation in 2024, helping them meet daily transportation needs, access employment opportunities and improve road safety awareness.
On air travel affordability, Chiew pointed to the FLYSiswa initiative, which provides eligible public university students with RM400 in flight ticket subsidies. The subsidy will increase to RM500 under Budget 2027, benefiting 60,000 students.
He also acknowledged Loke’s advocacy for fixed ceiling airfares during major festive seasons, particularly to help Malaysians from Sabah and Sarawak travel home to reunite with their families.
Meanwhile, he cited the handover of Bintulu Port from the Federal Government to the Sarawak Government, effective Sept 1, 2026, as another significant development.
The transfer, involving an acquisition value of RM1.8 billion, followed years of discussions and strengthened Sarawak’s role in managing its own port infrastructure.
He also highlighted the digitalisation of JPJ services through the MyJPJ mobile application, which allows the public to access digital driving licences and vehicle road tax, renew licences and pay compounds online.
“Through these initiatives, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Anthony Loke for his dedication, commitment and willingness to improve transportation in Sarawak. I hope the efforts and the groundwork that he has laid will continue smoothly,” he said.
He expressed hope that the initiatives would continue following Loke’s departure, particularly those intended to benefit northern Sarawak.
“While I regret the situation surrounding his resignation, his work should not go unnoticed, and he deserves due credit. As the MP of Miri, I hope to continue working hard to ensure that his efforts in Northern Sarawak will come to fruition,” he said. — DayakDaily
