KUCHING: Kuching and Samarahan folks gave the thumbs-up to the state government’s decision to revive the Kuching light rapid transit (LRT) project.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg announced during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Wednesday that the government would revive the project following numerous requests from the public.
The Kota Samarahan-Kuching route may require urgent consideration as there are complaints that the Kota Samarahan-Kuching roads are congested everyday especially during peak hours.
Many of those interviewed by the New Sarawak Tribune opined that the project should be implemented as soon as possible as it would greatly benefit the public.
Restaurant manager Mohd Nurhakim Mohd Hisham, 29, said that the project would not only ease traffic congestion for the people in Samarahan but also provide an alternative for their daily commute.
“Those working in the city will greatly benefit in terms of time and money.
“Not only that, the LRT will also connect Samarahan and Kuching which will help to burst the economic bubble in Samarahan,” he said.
Fringky Bon, 26, said that he welcomed the state government’s initiative to implement the project, and suggested that the existing road to be extended.
“The implementation of Kuching-Samarahan LRT project is greatly welcomed by Samarahan residents as it will help reduce the stress faced during the daily commute.
“So this initiative will not only bring positive outcome for Samarahan, but those in Kuching will also benefit from it,” he said.
General worker Desmond Abraham lauded the Chief Minister’s effort for reviving the project.
He said that although the initial plan was shrouded with negativity, the people in Samarahan needed other modes of transport.
“The implementation of LRT project will help to reduce the people’s burden as public transport is cheaper than driving your own transportation.
“It will also help to connect the desolated areas and make it known to the public,” he said.
Datuk Peter Minos, the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman, said Kota Samarahan must be well-connected to Kuching city.
He added that if small towns such as Kajang and Klang could be connected to Kuala Lumpur city by roads and light rapid transit (LRT) trains, Kota Samarahan must likewise be connected to Kuching city as both shared cities similar characteristics in terms of population and economic development.
“The Chief Minister had promised to help with the traffic lights and revisit the LRT project. This is very much appreciated.
“Those living in Samarahan have been jubilant of the news,” he said.
Lurve Rca, who works in Samarahan, said the Kota Samarahan-Kuching route will surely be utilised by commuting community.
“There are several things that need to be considered such as the construction period and alternative routes to tackle traffic congestion.
“If the authorities fail to look into that part, the worse will come and traffic congestion will be out of control,” she said.
She added that LRT might be easier for those not traveling by car. But for those who would still drive their cars, it would not solve the congestion.
“Another option that can be taken into consideration is to construct a flyover from the main roundabout heading to airport/Kuching/Samarahan similar to the flyover in front of CityOne Megamall,” said Rca.
Andersonley Banchang, who works as an Internet centre manager, suggested that an underpass similar to the Datuk Temenggong Abang Kipali roundabout in Petra Jaya be built at the Stutong roundabout.
“Alternative roads can also be built at Samajaya so that people from Serian and Samarahan can use a direct route without passing the roundabout or two-lane expressway from Mile 7 Samarahan roundabout.
“We can implement the LRT, but first solve the critical traffic congestion. If the construction for LRT kicks off later, it will worsen the situation as the number of drivers on the roads are increasing,” he said.
The LRT project was postponed in September as the state government was focusing on other infrastructure projects.
However, the public demanded that the state government continue the project starting with the Kuching-Samarahan route as a pilot project.
