MP moots agency for devt of public transport in Sarawak

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(From front row, fifth right) Hasbi, Paulus and other PBB Batu Danau members hold the banner congratulating Abang Johari for being appointed as the new Chief Minister.

(From front row, fifth right) Hasbi, Paulus and other PBB Batu Danau members hold the banner congratulating Abang Johari for being appointed as the new Chief Minister.

LIMBANG: Sarawak should have an agency for the development of public transport in the state similar to the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) in Peninsular Malaysia.

In making the suggestion, Limbang MP Hasbi Habibolah, who is also chairman of the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (LPKP) Sarawak, said the setting up of such agency under the state government, ministry or other statutory bodies of the state, would augur well for the planning and development of public transport in Sarawak which also involved transportation passing through Brunei and onto Sabah and Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Currently, he said, LPKP had a limited role to play – only doing enforcement works on public transport that was licensed by the board.

According to Hasbi, the proposal to establish an agency responsible for the development of public transport had been discussed with the late Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who in principle had agreed to its implementation.

“We hope that his successor, Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, can pursue the proposal to set up the agency,” he said at a media conference yesterday after meeting members of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Batu Danau at Kampung Bunga Raya Community Hall.

Present were Batu Danau assemblyman Paulus Palu Gumbang, PBB Batu Danau deputy chairman Jun Silah and PBB Batu Danau exco members.

Hasbi, who is also chairman of PBB Batu Danau, congratulated Abang Johari on his appointment as Sarawak’s sixth chief minister.

“We share his joy as he is the first Limbang-born person to hold the top post as leader for Sarawak. We in Batu Danau are confident with his 30 years experience in the political arena, Abang Johari can administer Sarawak well,” he said.

Hasbi added: “PBB Batu Danau also hopes that Abang Johari can continue the legacy of Adenan who put great emphasis on rural transformation, the fight against illegal logging and welfare policies.”

He said among the projects proposed for implementation in Limbang are basic infrastructure, tourism, Ranggau Valley and Islamic development.

During the function, Hasbi and PBB Rangau members expressed their condolence to the family of Adenan, who died due to heart complication on January 11.

“Knowing Adenan is one of the best things in life, as he was very vocal but a stern leader who earned the respect of all,” he said.