KUCHING: The first phase of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) Phase 1 project recorded a progress of 29.89 per cent as of April, compared to the initial target of 33.86 per cent.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin acknowledged the slight delay of around 3 per cent but assured that the matter will be addressed promptly.
“As I mentioned earlier, the contract includes strict monitoring provisions. In the event of delays, contractors are required to submit a catch-up plan.
“If the delay persists until the end of the project, the contractor will be subject to a specific compensation known as Liquidated Damages (LD), as stipulated in the agreement,” he told a press conference after delivering his ministerial winding up speech during the DUN Sitting here today (May 26).
In his speech, he also highlighted that Sarawak’s land transport sector places strong emphasis on green initiatives through the transformation of public transport systems.
This includes the development of KUTS powered by clean hydrogen energy, aligning with Sarawak’s commitment to the National Green Investment Strategy and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).
“To date, six infrastructure contract packages have been awarded under this project. Two packages have already been completed—namely, the Early Works for the Rembus Depot site and the construction of a 3-kilometre Proof of Concept (POC) stretch in Samarahan.
“The remaining four packages are currently underway. These include the Rembus Depot Infrastructure Package, Blue Line Package 1, Blue Line Package 2, and the Red Line Package. The infrastructure package for the Green Line is now in the tender preparation stage,” he added.
