KUCHING: An efficient public transportation will not just ease gridlocks and lessen travel time for commuters but will help tourists go around the state see more places.
Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, who pointed this out yesterday, said the government must improve the quality of public transportation in rapidly-developing main towns to facilitate easy mobility of the community.
“Public transportation that is efficient will reduce traffic jam and travel time for people. At the same time, the tourism industry will be able to increase their revenue from an efficient public transport service,” he said at the opening of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here.
Taib said the Visit Sarawak Year 2014 is the catalyst to spur the tourism industry and attract more tourists to the state. He appealed to Sarawakians to welcome tourists with warmth and goodwill and reflect the harmony of various ethnic groups in the state.
“Sarawak is already well known among tourists not only for its unique tourism products but for the friendliness and goodwill of our people.”
To attract more visitors, he said it was imperative for the people to keep their homes and workplaces as well as public places clean and hygienic.
“The aspect of environmental cleanliness must also be given the necessary emphasis as it reflects the character and identity of the people of Sarawak.”
Taib asserted the state’s development plan and economic programme must take security and public order into consideration.
He said people of Sarawak must remain alert and not get easily disrupted by both local and foreign elements particularly those having an issue with the progress and prosperity being enjoyed by the people.
With security and public order in place, he said more investments and tourist arrivals could be expected.
“As Sarawak has a huge land surface, the long boundaries and coastline, the security at the entry points must be tightened to prevent illegal activities like smuggling, human trafficking and organised crime coming from across the border.
“Enforcement agencies like the Army, Police and Maritime must build their defence assets and intensify efforts to patrol along the border areas and coasts.”
To ensure the locals would feel safe at home, he said the authorities concerned including Police and Rela ought to increase their patrols in residential areas.
Local councils, he said, must install modern surveillance system and technology such as the CCTVs at strategic locations to prevent criminal activities.
Concluding his speech, Taib reminded all honorable members of their responsibility to observe and adhere to the decorum of the august House during the coming debates.