SIBU: The State Ministry of Transport is committed to building lorry terminals in major towns throughout the state.
Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said the lorry terminals would facilitate better movement of heavy vehicles and provide more efficient service to the business community.
“I am happy to inform that the ministry has started the planning for the development of a dedicated parking space for heavy vehicles in Sarawak, starting with major towns,” he said.
He said this in his speech was read by Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Michael Tiang at the installation of new office bearers for the Sibu Lorry Association on Saturday (April 29).
The Senadin assemblyman also said that the Sarawak government has approved a Miri Lorry Terminal as the pilot project.
“At the same time, we are planning for a lorry terminal in Bintulu and also one in Sibu. Nevertheless, planning and development of these terminals may take some time. I urge you to be patient with us,” he said.
Lee said that the government is still looking at the successful model of lorry terminals or logistic hubs in other countries like Singapore and Thailand that Sarawak can emulate and build.
“In this respect, the government is exploring the public-private partnership model to ensure financial sustainability especially in maintaining and managing the future terminals.
“We welcome inputs and new ideas from the private sector including from the Lorry Association on the way forward for our transport and logistic sector,” he said.
Lee stressed that the ministry will facilitate the association’s requirements according to the development needs and institutional and regulation framework that they have.
“Where possible, we (the ministry) are looking at the upgrading of infrastructures, improve the institutional and regulation framework to ensure the transport sector continues to play its role efficiently,” he said.
Also present was Lanang MP Alice Lau, Sibu Lorry Association Chairman Ling Ka Kiong and others.
