RapidKL buses undergo dry run

KUCHING: Three out of 25 RapidKL buses took part in a dry run today (Sept 17) in preparation for the 21st Para Malaysia Games (Para SUKMA).

Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said that the dry run was done to ensure smooth transportation planning for the upcoming games from Sept 20 to 28.

“The state has taken an important initiative in collaboration with Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd to ensure that all transportation needs of the athletes, officials and visitors are catered to.

“On behalf of Sarawak, I would like to extend our gratitude to Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd, as they have not charged us for their services and we only need to cover transportation expenses.

Fatimah (left) and others poses for photograph as they join the Rapid KL bus dry run which begin at Raia Hotel, Kuching. Photo: Mohd Alif Noni

Fatimah (second right) with her deputies Datuk Rosey Yunus (third right), Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam (left) and others take a look at the bus route throughout the Para Sukma game while being briefed by Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd CEO Muhammad Yazurin Sallij (right). Photo: Mohd Alif Noni

“The bus service is provided free of charge, with the state bearing the shipping cost of RM845,000 for transport from Port Klang to Kuching and back.”

She said this during the Dry Run Rapid KL in conjunction with 21st Para SUKMA event held at Raia Hotel and Convention Centre, Kuching.

According to Fatimah, a total of 44 officers and crew members from Rapid Bus, consisting of 30 bus captains and 14 support staff, arrived on Sept 13 to acquaint themselves with the routes to the competition venues.

Rapid KL dry run begin at Raia Hotel, Kuching to the sports venues. Photo: Mohd Alif Noni

“Coming from Kuala Lumpur, the drivers and staff needed to adjust and familiarise themselves with the routes, which I believe they have successfully done over the last two to three days,” she said.

Besides, she added that the primary reason for seeking assistance from Rapid KL was that these buses are equipped with disability-friendly features, including ramps and designated spaces for wheelchairs.

“This is in line with our commitment to providing inclusive and safe transportation for all athletes, especially those competing in Para SUKMA.

“All these buses have undergone strict safety inspections before being delivered and will continue to be monitored to ensure the highest quality of service throughout the event,” she said.

For the record, RapidKL will use the Rapidbus KIOSK application for “real-time tracking” which she was shown and had the bus route map explained by Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd chief executive officer (CEO) Muhammad Yazurin Sallij, during the dry run.

“This allows the Transportation Committee to track the location of the buses in real-time.

“This will also provide precise information on their whereabouts and estimated arrival times, eliminating the ambiguity of vague updates like ‘on the way’,” she said.

Additionally, she said the buses will play a vital role in transporting athletes, officials, and staff between accommodations, competition venues, and events like the opening and closing ceremonies.

“We have organised the athletes accommodations to be as close as possible to the competition venues, making it easier for staff to transport athletes between the two locations,” she said.

She added that the service schedule and routes have been carefully planned to ensure smooth and uninterrupted travel, with time trials conducted to determine journey times.

“We will have an outrider as well to ensure a smooth journey from the hotel to the competition venues as our goal is to prevent any delays that might cause athletes to miss their event,” she said.

She also said transportation will also be provided for the officials on duty to ensure they encounter no issues.

“They won’t need to use their own vehicles, as we will handle their transportation. This arrangement will allow officials to concentrate fully on the competition and their responsibilities,” she said.

Besides the RapidKL buses, there will be 37 other buses, 79 vans, 19 SUVs, 20 cars, and ten lorries used throughout the Para SUKMA event.

“We hope that the transportation services provided will contribute to the success of the games, positioning our state as the best host,” she said.