KUCHING: Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin has called for a review of existing BAS.MY bus routes in Kuching after observing relatively low passenger numbers on several routes.
Lee said improving route planning and service efficiency is essential to encourage more people to shift from private vehicles to public transport.
“To encourage people to shift from private vehicles to public transport, the services must be convenient, efficient and aligned with actual travel patterns,” he said while chairing the Sarawak Public Transport Committee (SPTC) meeting on Thursday (Mar 12).
He suggested that the relevant authorities review the current BAS.MY routes and operational planning to ensure the service better meets the public’s mobility needs.
During the meeting, Lee also proposed that Sarawak move towards a unified parking payment system statewide to address the inconvenience caused by different parking applications used across cities.
He noted that motorists travelling between cities often need to download or use different parking platforms.
“In the future, we should aim for a system where one parking platform can be used across Sarawak.
“This will make things much easier for the public,” he said.
Lee added that the SPTC serves as an important platform to coordinate transport policies, programmes and development initiatives across Sarawak’s land, river and air transport sectors in line with the Post-COVID Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
He said the transport sector remains a key enabler for economic development, regional connectivity and improved quality of life as the state continues to grow.
Among the challenges highlighted were increasing traffic congestion in major urban areas, the need to strengthen public transport systems and logistics efficiency, as well as the modernisation of river transport infrastructure relied upon by rural communities.
Lee also noted that air connectivity remains a challenge, with Sarawak still having limited direct international routes.
“Major airports such as Kuching and Miri are currently operating beyond capacity, while several airports and Short Takeoff and Landing airports (STOLports) require upgrading and modernisation.
“These challenges highlight the importance of coordinated planning, strategic investment and strong collaboration among relevant agencies and stakeholders to strengthen Sarawak’s transport system,” he said.
During the meeting, committee members were also briefed on transport projects approved under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to be implemented by the Ministry of Transport Sarawak.
Updates were also presented on several initiatives, including aviation development programmes, the BAS.MY programme under the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) Sarawak, and the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) construction phase traffic management plan presented by Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd.
Also present were Deputy Minister for Transport Sarawak (Aviation and Road) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Deputy Minister for Transport Sarawak (Riverine and Marine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, and heads of government agencies, regulators and industry stakeholders.
