Kuching’s Stage Bus Service project delayed as Sarawak govt pushes for eco-friendly bus fleet

Michael Kong (file pic)

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 27: The Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) project in Kuching, proposed in 2017, has yet to launch due to the Sarawak government’s decision to reject the initial proposal for diesel-powered buses and instead, has requested for a fleet upgrade to fully electric and hydrogen buses.

The Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) Sarawak chairman Michael Kong, who made this claim, expressed disappointment with Sarawak Bus Transport Companies Association (SBTCA) honorary secretary William Chan for making unfounded accusations that unfairly blame the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the current Federal government.

“Misrepresenting the ongoing efforts of MOT and LPKP Sarawak to enhance the public transport system, while shifting blame, is irresponsible and detrimental to the people,” he said in a statement today.

Kong was responding to Chan’s remarks that if not for the delays in the SBST project, over 100 eco-friendly buses with handicap access would have been operational since 2018, following a consortium agreement signed by all Kuching bus operators with the government.

Chan also indicated that Sarawak would avoid unnecessary expenditure on transporting Rapid KL buses for the Para Sukma games.

The primary aim of the SBST project, he emphasised, is to modernise Kuching’s public transportation system by replacing outdated stage buses with a fleet more aligned with urban transport needs.

He noted that in 2017, the project was overseen by the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD), with negotiations conducted directly between the Commission and the Kuching Urban Buses Consortium (KBBK), which includes operators such as Sarawak Transport Co (STC).

He mentioned that the Sarawak bus operators had initially urged the government to adopt a pragmatic approach, starting with diesel and electric buses before transitioning to hydrogen.

“In February 2020, the Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration cancelled the SBST Kuching project thus putting it to a halt. It wasn’t until December 2022, under Minister of Transport Anthony Loke’s leadership that the project was revived, and received approval for implementation on Oct 24, 2023,” he said.

Kong highlighted that a significant reform under Loke was the decision to eliminate direct negotiations for major projects like SBST. These projects are now subject to open tender to ensure transparency and fairness.

“Consequently, an open tender was called in January 2024, with four Sarawak companies participating. We are now aiming for a mid-January 2025 launch of the SBST Kuching project, working closely with the MOT to ensure smooth implementation and effective management,” he added.

Regarding the Federal government’s paid training programme for 300 bus drivers in Sarawak, Kong stated that the SBTCA submitted the complete list of participants in April 2024.

“Although the Road Transport Department (JPJ) called for a meeting to advance the programme, bus operators requested a delay due to preparations for Sukma. To date, 97 participants have completed the course, with the remaining candidates still undergoing JPJ training.” — DayakDaily