KUCHING: The Sarawak government will look into providing for more connectivity between Kuching and cities outside Sarawak as part of efforts to further improve the tourism industry.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said in doing so, the state government is also creating more smart cities in Sarawak.
“Now of course we have Miri. Sibu is going to be rejuvenated into a vibrant city. And we have plans to extend Kuching city with the provision of facilities including improvement in our public transport.
“In any city, the public transport reflects the standard of that particular city and that is why the state government is embarking on smart public transport using hydrogen-powered vehicles including buses as well as our autonomous rapid transit and that will cover not only Kuching North and Kuching South but also extend to Samarahan and part of Padawan.”
He said this during the 34th Kuching City Day celebration at Kuching City South Council (MBKS) compound here today.
Abang Johari said with that it would definitely reflect the standard of public transport in Kuching.
“Though it may cost quite a sum, I believe we can afford it and with that, we can bring up the status of Kuching as a developed and smart city in Sarawak,” he said.
Abang Johari noted that Kuching City gained the UNESCO recognition as a Creative City of Gastronomy in November 2021, a prestigious recognition for the food heritage and its diversity.
“It is therefore fitting that the theme for this year’s Kuching Festival Food Fair is Kuching’s Best Creative Food and Culture.
“Kuching also has been adjudged as the national double winner of the Asian Clean Tourist City Standard for 2022 up to 2024 and definitely with this award, Kuching can be a destination for us to lure tourists to come over to Sarawak,” he mentioned.
Also present at the function were Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian and wife Datin Enn Ong, Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, MBKS mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, Kuching North City (DBKU) mayor Datuk Junaidi Reduan and organising chairman for the celebration Abdul Baderi Sahmat.
