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MIRI – Local opposition Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) is opposing the state’s RM6 billion Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) project for a short 40km route, calling it wasteful when there are still 90,000 Sarawakian households living below the poverty line.
PSB president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said the project connecting Kuching to Serian attracted much publicity but was an unnecessary waste of public funds.
He slammed Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg over the project, saying this was the latest in addition to other “far-fetched” projects like starting a hydrogen economy and a boutique airline.
“Kuching to Serian is only 40km long and there is already a good Pan Borneo Highway connection that people can drive along.
“Why is there a need to spend RM6 billion for the Kuching-to-Serian ART project? Also, the eventual costs may rise even higher eventually.
“The premier and the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state government should get their priorities correct.
“Latest statistics showed there are at least 90,000 Sarawakian families living below the poverty line throughout the state.
“Many parts of Sarawak still have no proper roads, no electricity, no treated water supply, no proper housing, no proper medical and health facilities, no proper schools...yet GPS want to spend billions of ringgit just for the 40km-route between Kuching and Serian,” he said at a press conference in PSB headquarters in Kuching today.
Wong, who is also Bawang Assan assemblyman, said GPS had done little to improve living costs in Sarawak and yet still want to pursue “wasteful mega projects”.
Earlier this week, Abang Johari witnessed an official ceremony to kickstart the ART project that will be financed by the state government. – The Vibes, December 17, 2022