By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 6: The Sarawak government will look into the connectivity between Kuching and other cities outside the State in an effort to rejuvenate the local tourism industry, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He mentioned that the government has plans to establish a smart city in Sarawak as well as extending areas covered under the jurisdiction of Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), with basic facilities including the improvement of the public transport system.
“In any city, the public transport reflects the standard of that particular city.
“That is why the State government is embarking on smart public transport using hydrogen-powered vehicles including buses as well as our autonomous rapid transit (ART),” he said when officiating at the Kuching City 34th Commemorative Day 2022 held at MBKS compound today.
He further said the public transport system will cover not only Kuching North and Kuching South but also extend to certain areas under the neighbouring councils, namely Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP).
“Although it may cost quite a sum but I believe we can afford it and with that, we can bring up the status of Kuching as a developed and smart city in Sarawak,” he added.
Earlier this year, Miri, Kuching and Sibu were honoured as clean tourist cities after receiving the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard 2022-2024 Award at the national level from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC).
The Miri City Council (MCC), MBKS, DBKU and Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) were among the seven local authorities in Malaysia which won the national award.
Amongst those present were Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian and wife Datin Enn Ong; Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication and Minister in charge of Islamic Affairs and DBKU, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi; MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng; DBKU Mayor Datu Junaidi Reduan; and Kuching City 34th Commemorative Day 2022 organising chairman Cr Abdul Baderi Sahmat. — DayakDaily
