Lee: S’wak drawing up master plan on integrated, modern transport system

KUCHING (Sept 24): The Sarawak Integrated Transport Master Plan 2025-2040 aims to create a comprehensive framework to develop an integrated and modern transport system that meets the evolving needs of Sarawak, said Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

The Transport Minister said while there have been various city master plans and regional development plans in the past that touched on the aspects of transport, none have fully consolidated or addressed the complexity and opportunities within the sector.

“This Master Plan aims to address that gap and chart a unified and strategic way forward,” he said when officiating a lab session for the master plan here today.

He said the transport sector serves as the backbone of Sarawak’s economy and social inclusivity, where it plays a pivotal role in supporting key industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and services.

He pointed out that his ministry has embarked on a transformative transport development including initiatives to modernise the public transport system under the Kuching Urban Transport System (KUTS) as well as enhancing air connectivity through the establishment of a Sarawak-owned airline and plans for a new international airport, which can unlock Sarawak’s potential as a strategic air travel hub and serve as a gateway for greater economic and tourism growth.

“In the maritime and riverine sector, Sarawak is blessed with an extensive network of rivers which presents opportunities for trade, tourism and industrial growth including the oil and gas industry.

“The Sarawak Transport Ministry is committed to leveraging these resources in an environmentally sustainable manner,” he said.

He also said that the logistics sector had also been discussed, with a focus on developing lorry terminals to streamline supply chains across land, river, and air transport.

“We are not only looking at developing transport in Sarawak only; we are working towards sub-regional connectivity with our neighbouring countries, Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia as well as regionally to promote sustainable economic growth, cross-border trade and tourism.

“As we progress with the development of the transport modes – land, river, sea and air – we need to embrace digitalisation to improve efficiency, enhance integration and meet sustainability goals such as the use of green fuels and energy,” he said.

Lee urged the lab participants, which comprised representatives from 56 government agencies and the private sector, to actively engage themselves throughout the session, which will also explore legal frameworks necessary for implementing the initiatives.

“Your insights are of utmost importance in crafting a practical Master Plan,” he said.

He also extended his appreciation to the study’s consultant consortium companies comprising Perunding Bumi Jasa, Surbana Jurong, Ernst and Young, Jurutera Jasa and Reddit & Co, for taking up this important task in the development of the Master Plan.

“Your expertise and dedication will help ensure that the plan is comprehensive, sustainable, forward-looking and practical to provide a blueprint that can be effectively implemented,” he said.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Transport (Aviation and Road) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Perunding Bumi Jasa Sdn Bhd director Wan Alwi, Surbana Jurong director Dennis Tan and Jurutera Jasa director Felix Ang.