By Sarah Hafizah Chandra & Neville Timothy Sanders
KUCHING: The next two years leading up to the targeted completion of Sarawak’s Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system here in 2028 are critical.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari has instructed Sarawak Metro to intensify preparations and ensure the project meets its objectives, as 2028 is just two years away.
“I have asked the management of Sarawak Metro to prepare very well within these two years in order to achieve the objectives of our ART. The management reports to their chairman, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain, who reports to the Ministry of Transport, and I am also informed on the progresses made.
“If there are any changes, the ministry must also be notified so that necessary adjustments can be made. Engagement with all parties is very important during this period,” he said during a press conference after a site visit to the project area today.
Touching on the current progress, Abang Johari said construction works are currently progressing well.
“The track alignment is moving along well. Near the federal complex, the ART alignment will be elevated, including a bridge, to ensure traffic flow is not disrupted. Works along Samarahan are also looking good, and our hydrogen station in Rembus is on track,” he said.
However, the Premier noted that there is still room for improvement in the central station area.
“This is a strategic project and must be managed with the utmost care, which is why I came here personally,” he said.
Abang Johari added that the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) will be involved in the surrounding area’s development as part of a centralised planning approach.
“Our state is among the first in this region to adopt hydrogen and low-carbon systems. When I was in Bangkok, people asked me if this was true, and I said yes. The world is watching Sarawak in terms of low-carbon development and alternative energy,” he concluded.
