By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 9: The Sarawak government has officially launched its first fleet of 14 smart buses, providing free public transportation services to the residents of Miri.
According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) news report, this makes Miri the first city in Sarawak to offer a complimentary public bus service starting from Oct 1, 2024.
Sarawak Minister of Transport (MOTS) Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin stated that Miri had long relied on older bus services, which, while functional, no longer met the needs of the growing population.
“The introduction of these new smart buses marks a bold step forward in the Sarawak GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) government’s commitment to delivering safer, more reliable, and free public transportation for the community,” he said during the launch of the Miri Smart Buses, which was officiated at by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, at the Miri Bus Terminal today.
Lee also extended his appreciation to Miri City Bus Sdn Bhd, the operator entrusted to manage the new Volvo Euro 3 public bus service.
The newly introduced Volvo buses, each with a seating capacity of 33 and standing space for 21 passengers, are more than just vehicles; they represent a critical component in Sarawak’s vision to transform Miri into a leading smart city.
The event was attended by prominent figures including Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Transport (Aviation and Road) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, and Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chew Yew, alongside local community leaders and other distinguished guests. — DayakDaily
