SIBU: University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) has received two China Auto Manufacturers (CAM) Co-Star minibuses with a 28-seat capacity each to support student transport needs, enhancing both safety and comfort for campus residents.
The delivery of the vehicles took place at Huong Seng Motor Trading Sdn Bhd, Jalan Ding Lik Kong here today, witnessed by Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, who is also UTS chairman.
He said the state government’s move to supply the minibuses was very significant considering that UTS now has more than 4,000 students, the majority of whom live near the campus, and require efficient transportation.
“Public transportation in Sibu is still limited, and if using e-hailing services such as Grab, it can be a burden on students. With this facility, they can get to campus on time for lectures or study sessions, thus facilitating daily affairs,” he said at the event.
Dr Annuar, who is also Nangka Assemblyman, said safety factors were also a major consideration in providing the vehicles, especially for students from outside the area.
“UTS is committed to providing a safe learning environment, and we greatly appreciate the state government’s support in providing these two vehicles,” he added.
According to him, the university previously had a large bus service, but it could not travel through small streets in student settlement areas such as in Ulu Sungai Merah.
“With the presence of minibuses, it can reduce the problems of students getting to campus, especially at night.
“I hope the university can arrange a regular and organised shuttle schedule so that this facility can be fully utilised.”
Explaining further, Dr Annuar said that the effort to provide transportation is in line with the goal of making UTS the top choice for students, not only because of the quality of higher education offered, but also because of the safety and comprehensive facilities provided.
“Every parent would definitely want to know whether the university they choose for their children is safe and complete with facilities,” he added.
“The provision of these minibuses is part of the effort to equip UTS with comprehensive facilities so that more students choose to study here.”
He said that in the next few years, his party will work closely with the university management to ensure that this priority continues to be given attention, including through the construction of new dormitories and the provision of more comfortable and complete cafeterias.
“We do not want students to be burdened with finding a place to stay or a place to eat that will disrupt their focus on their studies,” Dr Annuar added.
Also present at the delivery ceremony were UTS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid; UTS Registrar, Jimmy De Rozario @ Abdul Rahman; and Huong Seng Motor Trading Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Kapitan Goh Kee Seng.
