Electric buses in the future

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Abg Johari to lay foundation for green public transport system for the state

Abang Johari puts a mock key in place to launch the showroom. From left are Asfia, Zahari, Donald and Masing (fourth right). – Photos by Jeffery Mostapa

KOTA SAMARAHAN: The state government will study the feasibility of using environmentally friendly electric buses in Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions.

Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said this would include providing proper infrastructure such as setting up poles and adapters for battery charging, which could also be expanded to electric cars.

“I will engage the experts to look into this. First, we use it on buses and then cars. We have to change in 10 years. Some bus companies may resist but you cannot avoid technology advancements,” he said when launching MD Motors Sdn Bhd’s new Perodua showroom yesterday.

Abang Johari said electric buses would be appropriate for the three divisions, which have a combined population of one million and growing. He pointed out that driverless cars could also come to Sarawak one day.

“This is the life in 15 to 20 years. By then, I’m no longer your chief minister because I’m old already. But we must have a vision. Kuching will be a green city for others to emulate.

“I am not a dreamer but I dream with facts. Singapore has driverless cars already and Malaysian automobile producers have to change or their cars will be unsellable,” he said.

During the press conference, Abang Johari called on Sarawakians to give him time to introduce electric buses, adding he would work with Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Development and Transportation Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing to develop a feasible implementation plan.

After taking over Bakun HEP dam state government can now determine power tariff

“What is important is you know the concept and you know what the technology is all about. You see our buses emit so much smoke but the technology has changed.

“We have taken the Bakun hydroelectric dam, and we have the power. What we do is we use our electric power to power the buses, because that technology is there already. Initially, it’s very costly but over time it’ll be cheaper,” he explained.

He added that the state government could determine the power tariffs, which would subsequently bring down costs.

“Batteries can last about two days and I have a feeling that it will be extended to three or so days over time. Now they’re using small cells and if more cells are used, they can store more energy.

“Along the way, you can charge your battery. If you go to the longhouse with no power, you can use your battery which is dual function. This is new technology and it is there already. I saw one in Newcastle (England),” he said.

Abang Johari also highlighted technology from Frankfurt, Germany, which Sarawak could adopt when it starts producing methanol by 2021.

“We need scientists to separate hydrogen and oxygen, you get 5 per cent of methanol that will ignite the engine then you run with water. I went to Frankfurt and saw the technology.

“I hope Malaysian car producers adopt the technology which will be very clean to the environment. If they don’t, they will be left behind. Nobody will buy your cars because your consumers have changed. So you must change,” he said.

Among those present at the launching were State Legislative Assembly speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar, Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Dr Zahari Husin and MD Group of Companies chairman Donald Lawan.

Abang Johari (right) and Zahari show their approval for a Perodua car.