By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Nov 22: Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong (PH-DAP) demands assurance from Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg that the cost to implement the hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project will not overrun.
She reminded that Abang Johari had chosen ART over light rapid transit (LRT) due to the former’s cost of RM6 billion (for three lines), in comparison to the latter which costs RM10 billion.
“Can we have an assurance from the YAB Premier that there will not be cost overrun for implementing this hydrogen-powered ART project? We do not wish to see that the cost saving justification for the implementation of ART project is just mere empty talk,” said Yong while debating Sarawak Budget 2024 during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting at DUN Complex here today.
She pointed out that Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) Package 1 was tendered out to EPR Mobilius GR JV Sdn Bhd for the sum of RM1.425 billion while KUTS Package 2 was awarded to Dom-EEB Joint Venture for the contract sum of RM448 million. The contract sum for the two packages is RM 1.873 billion.
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“If we look closely at System Package 1, RM 1.425 billion contract sum which is for hardware purchase, includes the purchase of 38 units of hydrogen-powered ART.
“May the State government provide the breakdown cost of this package 1? The rakyat has the right to know the cost of the respective item in the package and that includes the purchase price of each unit of the hydrogen-powered ART.
“From my engagement with those who is familiar with this file, I was made to understand that it is unlikely for the cost of depot equipment and maintenance vehicle, automatic platform gate and signalling and control system to reach RM400 million.
“Premised on that, the purchase of 38 units hydrogen powered ART would cost more than RM1 billion under package 1.
“On average, one unit of hydrogen fuel cell powered ART would ridiculously cost at least RM30 million. Tuan Speaker, this RM30 million pricing per unit is about three times more expensive than the electric-powered ART,” said Yong.
She said from her research, an electric-powered ART of similar type costs about USD2.2 million which is equivalent to RM10 million.
“How could we not break out in a cold sweat seeing and knowing the State is spending billions of Sarawakians’ money extravagantly?” Yong asked.
She thus questioned the rationale for the Sarawak government to dig deeper into its coffers when there is a cheaper alternative to improve Kuching public transport system.
“How long can the State government afford and sustain to implement this lavish project? Also, what puzzles many was that the State government purchases the rolling stock even before completing the infrastructure works. I believe only the Sarawak government does it,” said Yong.
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She demanded that the information for the Package 2 tender be made public to show that it is not overpriced.
“I was told there were tenderers who submitted less than RM448 million but failed to get the contract. Is there any story behind which the State chose not to disclose?” Yong questioned. — DayakDaily
