Major economic benefits expected from proposed ART extension to Serian, says Minos

KUCHING (Aug 29): The proposed extension of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system from Kuching to Serian will not only improve connectivity but also generate significant economic spin-offs, said Datuk Peter Minos.

The Serian District Council (MDS) chairman was responding to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s announcement on Thursday that the ART system will not stop in Kuching but extend to Serian and beyond Samarahan as part of Sarawak’s long-term plan to develop smart and green cities.

“The Kuching-Serian ART will provide convenience in transport, save time and fuel costs. Most importantly, tourism and businesses along the ART line will surely see a rise and boom, just like how it happens everywhere else where roads, rail lines, LRT (Light Rail Transit) or MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) are developed,” Minos said in a statement today.

He said the Premier’s announcement during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Padawan Municipal Council’s (MPP) new headquarters yesterday, was “big and good news” for the people.

While acknowledging that such projects require substantial government expenditure, he said the long-term returns would outweigh the costs.

“As long as the government can afford it, why not go for it? ART is good for the people and good for Sarawak. It is an investment in progress and modernisation,” he said.

Minos noted that neighbouring countries such as Indonesia have been heavily investing in roads, bridges, railways, and even a high-speed train from Jakarta to Bandung.

“These massive investments, which cost billions, will do a lot of good for Indonesia in the coming years. The same goes for Peninsular Malaysia, which explains why they are doing much better than Sabah and Sarawak. Good land and air transportation are a must for modern progress,” he stressed.

He thanked the Sarawak government for the ART initiative and described it as a “visionary move” that would bring long-term benefits to the people.

Abang Johari had said the ART project, which is currently under development, will be implemented in phases to provide seamless connectivity between areas in Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), Kuching South City Council (MBKS), MPP, Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS), and MDS.