Tambang to utilise solar energy

KUCHING: ‘Tambang’ or water taxi at Sarawak River will adopt a new approach to generate engine power using solar energy.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that the Sarawak government will bear all costs to implement the renewable energy solutions.

In addition to equipping ‘tambang’ with clean energy, he said that this initiative would add value to the Sarawak River.

“Just imagine the Sarawak River with multi-coloured tambang; this will attract more attention, and our ‘tambang’ will be equipped with clean energy.

“You don’t expect the ‘tambang’ operators to pay because it is expensive. Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will cover the costs,” he said.

He made these remarks while officiating at the Kuching City Day at Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Square here today.

Earlier this year, 12 ‘tambang’ operating at the Kuching Waterfront were upgraded to use solar energy to power various decorative lights installed on the boats.

This blend of traditional and modern elements has seen many operators installing colourful light-emitting diode (LED) lights on the roofs of the tambang, with some even installing lights inside the boats for passenger comfort, all powered by solar panels ranging in size from 0.3 to 1.2 metres.

The upgrade of these tambang was carried out by the Faculty of Built Environment at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and is part of the Old Kampung Heritage Project initiated by the Sarawak government.

On the same note, Abang Johari commended the city councils’ efforts to adapt technology for the well-being of city residents.

Apart from the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project, which includes hydrogen buses in the city and the upcoming Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) system, he also urged city residents to use green vehicles.

“Our hydrogen public transport will be the first in the region to have low carbon public transport.

“And if we encourage our cars to use electric vehicles (EV) or hydrogen, then it will result in less carbon emission.

“I hope our city will continue to progress using technology and also remain clean, providing good service to the people of the city. Happy City Day, and I hope we will be successful,” he added.

On another note, Abang Johari shared that he was once criticised for building a giant flagpole at Dataran Ibu Pertiwi due to its high cost.

However, he noted that the area has now become a major attraction, expressing his gratitude to Shell, Petronas, and Petros for funding the project.

“Now, everyone wants to take pictures there, including those having wedding photoshoots. It has also become an attraction for tourists,” he said.

Also present during the event were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability (MEESTY) Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, MBKS Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, and Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Mayor Hilmy Othman.