Latest news with #AutonomousRapidTransit
Borneo Post
21 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Chong urges S'wak govt to prioritise financial aid over mega projects
Chong offers DAP's official magazine, The Rocket during the walkabout. KUCHING (June 22):Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen has urged the state government to prioritise easing the financial burden on low- and middle-income groups rather than allocating funds for mega projects. The Padungan assemblyman and Stampin MP made this call after receiving feedback from the local community during a walkabout in Gala City and Premier 101 commercial centres here yesterday. Chong said people are struggling financially amid the current economic situation. 'The Sarawak government should focus on how to improve our economy and increase the income sources for our low- and middle-income families. 'This is not the time to give priority to the development of mega projects that involve billions of ringgit,' he said after the event, which also saw him promoting DAP's official magazine, The Rocket. Chong said the DAP is not against the state government implementing development projects, but many of those mega projects 'do not seem to directly benefit the people as in increasing their income'. He cited these projects as the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project, the Second Trunk Road project, and the construction of a Deep-Sea Port and a new Kuching International Airport. He said enormous funds are required to make these projects happen and this does not help the low- and middle-income groups, who are facing financial difficulties. According to him, people worry more about whether these large-scale projects would benefit them directly. 'Not only are these projects going to use up tonnes of taxpayers' money, but they do not help increase the income of most people. Money is never enough as far as most people are concerned,' he said. As such, Chong suggested that the state government shift its focus to developing the manufacturing sector in line with enhancing the state's productivity and increasing job opportunities for locals. He believed that this would directly increase household income in the state as well as bring Sarawak's economic level to new heights. Meanwhile, he thanked all those who had supported the DAP Sarawak by purchasing Rocket, hoping that more people would back the DAP to increase opposition voices in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN). At present, he said there are only two DAP elected representatives in the august House. 'Given this scenario, the checks and balances mechanism is as good as none. The only way to see a healthy democracy is by having more opposition members, especially from the DAP, in the House. 'This helps ensure that the government of the day will not approve budgets and implement projects as they wish,' added Chong.
Borneo Post
29-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Kuching OCPD: Lamborghini driver reported fatal Jalan Airport accident, not hit-and-run
Police photo shows the condition of the Lamborghini after the fatal crash. KUCHING (May 29): Police have ruled out a hit-and-run in the fatal accident involving a Lamborghini and a pedestrian at Jalan Airport here on Tuesday evening. Kuching district police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu confirmed today that the 54-year-old businessman driving the Lamborghini came forward to lodge a police report within the required 24-hour timeframe. 'The Lamborghini driver lodged the police report an hour after the accident. He did not run but reported the incident,' he told The Borneo Post. He added that the driver was subsequently arrested to facilitate investigation and is now a suspect in the case. According to Alexson, the driver stated that he was travelling from Jalan Airport to Padungan when the incident occurred. Meanwhile, the police have identified the deceased pedestrian as Chinese national Bi Guang Dong, 52, a general worker involved in the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) lane construction. Alexson said Bi was crossing the road when he was struck by the Lamborghini. He was subsequently declared dead at the scene by medical personnel from the Sarawak General Hospital. 'In the meantime, the body of the deceased is still at the Sarawak General Hospital, awaiting claims from family members in China,' said Alexson. Police have classified the case as dangerous or reckless driving that results in death, an offence under Section 41 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. The Section provides for five to 10 years in jail and a fine of between RM20,000 and RM50,000 upon conviction. Alexson urged witnesses or anyone with relevant information to contact investigating officer ASP Lucas Apin on 013-8246881 or 082-259900, or to visit the nearest police station. accident Alexson Naga Chabu Jalan Airport lead
Borneo Post
28-05-2025
- Borneo Post
54-year-old Lamborghini driver arrested after foreign worker killed while crossing Jalan Airport in Kuching
Police photo shows the condition of the Lamborghini after the fatal crash. KUCHING (May 28): Police have arrested a 54-year-old Lamborghini driver in connection with the death of a pedestrian at Jalan Airport here yesterday evening. In a statement today, Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the probe is being carried out under Section 41 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for committing death by dangerous or reckless driving. The Section provides for five to 10 years in jail and a fine of between RM20,000 and RM50,000 upon conviction. It is believed that the suspect was driving the sports car from Jalan Airport to Padungan when the fatal accident happened. The fatal victim, a 52-year-old foreigner working on the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project, was crossing the road when the accident occurred. He was subsequently declared dead at the scene by medical personnel from the Sarawak General Hospital. Alexson called on those who witnessed the accident or have useful information on the accident to contact investigating officer ASP Lucas Apin on 013-8246881 or 082-259900, or to go to the nearest police station. He also advised pedestrians and motorists to be more careful, alert, and focussed when on the road to avoid untoward incidents and breaking the law. Alexson Naga Chabu Jalan Airport Lamborghini lead Lucas Apin
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sarawak's ART project on track with no cost overruns despite minor delays
KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak's Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) hydrogen tram project remains financially on course with no cost overruns reported, despite experiencing a slight delay of about 3.97 per cent, according to State Transport Minister Datuk Sri Lee Kim Shin. Responding to a query from Chong Chieng Jen (DAP–Padungan) during the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, Lee clarified that while there had been minor setbacks in the project timeline, these delays have not led to additional expenses for the state government. "The minor delay has not caused any cost overrun up to this stage," he said. Minister Lee addressed concerns in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, stating that any delays caused by contractors are subject to standard contract management practices, including the submission and execution of mitigation plans. Lee added that contractors are liable for Liquidated Ascertained Damages (LAD) in cases of delay and that they are required to submit and implement mitigation plans if delays arise to ensure project continuity and minimise disruption. The ART project, part of Sarawak's initiative to modernise its public transportation network, spans a 52-kilometre route through Kuching and is powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology. The project spanning Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian is reportedly expected to cost RM6 billion and may take approximately six to seven years to complete. The state government chose the ART system as a sustainable and innovative solution to its urban transit challenges. The first phase includes the Red Line, while the Green Line package has yet to be awarded, and the Yellow Line is planned for a subsequent phase. The ART system will feature driverless tram-like vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells, operating on dedicated trackless lanes. Each vehicle is designed to carry up to 300 passengers at speeds of up to 70 km/h. The first phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with operations commencing in 2026. As for the cost details of awarded packages, Lee said this information would be furnished in writing to Chong, who had submitted a formal request for a written reply. Lee reaffirmed the government's commitment to delivering the project efficiently and transparently, positioning Sarawak as a regional leader in green, future-forward public transport.
Borneo Post
20-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Dr Jerip: ART alignment all elevated at Jln Wan Alwi, first section of Blue Line expected to begin operations in Q4 2026
Photo shows the final livery design selected for the ART. – Photo from Facebook/Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak – UKAS KUCHING (May 20): The Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) alignment for the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) at Jalan Wan Alwi will be entirely elevated, said Datuk Dr Jerip Susil. The Deputy Minister of Transport revealed that the section will include two elevated ART stations. 'One will be located in front of Vivacity Megamall and the other near Kuching Lodge School,' he said during the question-and-answer session at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today. He was responding to See Chee How's (Independent-Batu Lintang) question on the progress of Phase 1 of the KUTS project involving the ART. 'The operations of KUTS Phase 1 will be carried out in stages, with the first section under the Blue Line from Rembus to Riveria, now anticipated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026,' he said. He said work progress on the KUTS Phase 1 Project now stands at 29.89 per cent compared to the planned 33.86 per cent. According to Dr Jerip, the variance of -3.97 per cent is due to construction delays. He added ART operations will be carried out in stages, with full operations expected to commence in 2028. On the Transit Signal Priority (TSP) system planned for the Batu Lintang area, Dr Jerip said there will be one TSP junction in Batu Lintang, located at the Jalan Bampfylde-Jalan Batu Lintang traffic light junction, near Kuching Water Board. He said there will also be a station at SM12, Batu Lintang, which is in front of Public Works Department Kuching Divisional Office, with an elevated design.
