By Shikin Louis & Chris Bishop
KUCHING, Oct 28: The Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) network expansion to Batu Kawa will be designated as the Yellow Line.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg noted that the ART implementation under the first phase of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project involving 27.6km from Rembus Depot to Hikmah Exchange), 12.3km Red Line (from Kuching Sentral to Pending), and 30km Green Line (from Pending to Damai Central), is currently under construction.
“We have Blue Line and Red Line, now Dr Sim (Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian) wants Yellow Line (connecting Batu Kawa).
“This proposed network expansion of ART can be carried out nonetheless as long as we have connectivity in terms of hydrogen-powered public transport,” he said when officiating the opening ceremony of Ang Cheng Ho Quarry Multipurpose Hall in Batu Kawa here today.
Earlier in his speech, Dr Sim who is the Batu Kawah assemblyman, stated that with the constituency’s high population density, it serves as an ideal location for the second phase of the ART, as it promises high ridership.
“Given the area’s density, we’re confident that many people will ride the ART, especially when this (Yellow Line) is proposed by Sarawak Metro in the original plan.
“The line will connect to Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) and extend towards the city, providing a crucial solution for transportation needs,” he stated.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh; Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil; Senator Dato Ahmad Ibrahim; Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang; Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap Yau Sin; and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai. — DayakDaily
