KUCHING: The upcoming implementation of the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) project in Kuching will introduce 56 new stage buses operating across 10 routes to improve public transport services in the city.

According to Sarawak Minister for Transport (MOTS), Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, his ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Transport Malaysia and CVLB Sarawak through the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) Sarawak, with an allocation of RM79.18 million over five years under the Federal Government’s SBST allocation.

“The routes will cover areas in Kuching such as Bau, Serian, Bako, Kampung Benuk, Batu Kawa, King Centre, Muara Tebas, Taman Malihah, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Matang Jaya, and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Matang 2.

“The new buses, fully equipped with CCTV, on-board Wi-Fi, Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking, and OKU-friendly features, are set to launch early next year,” he said.

He said this during his ministerial winding-up session at the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly Sitting on Monday.
Dato Sri Lee added that the Sungai Tujoh Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) Complex in Miri will include the addition of extra lanes and counters to ensure smoother traffic flow.

“This project is targeted to tender through Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) in November 2024,” he added.

Meanwhile, MOTS, in collaboration with the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA), is working to address bottleneck issues at ICQS checkpoints in the Limbang Division.

These checkpoints include ICQS Tedungan (from Limbang to Kuala Lurah, Brunei), ICQS Pandaruan (from Limbang to Temburong, Brunei), ICQS Mengkalap (from Lawas to Temburong, Brunei), and ICQS Merapok (from Lawas to Sabah). -UKASnews