Lee (third right) points to the number ‘66’ displayed on the bus, which will transport vaccine recipients to the Curtin University PPV.
MIRI (June 24): The state Transport Ministry yesterday launched a RM1 bus service from the main bus terminal at Wisma Pelita Tunku to Covid-19 vaccination centres (PPV) throughout Miri City.
The service, in collaboration with public bus operators, enables members of the public to board buses to their designated PPV, said minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin in a press statement.
He said the buses will depart according to the schedule set at the bus terminal and passengers will be dropped at PPVs such as at Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club, Curtin University, Miri Hospital, National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) Miri, Borneo Medical Centre and KPJ Permyjaya.
Earlier yesterday, Lee who is also minister-in-charge of Miri Division Disaster Management Committee tried out the service for himself by taking the bus to Curtin University PPV.
“These buses go directly to the PPVs for the convenience of members of the public who rely on public transport to commute.
“Today MDMC and I tried the service and took the bus to the furthest location which was Curtin University. Those who want to go to the PPV at Curtin University can take bus number 66 which the word ‘Curtin’ on it,” he said.
He added that vaccine recipients going to Curtin University PPV will be dropped off at a bus stop at Jalan Perkasa Utama, where they will then board another bus provided by the university to the PPV located on campus.
Lee expressed his gratitude to the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (CVLB) Sarawak for approving the temporary bus route until Aug 31 this year.
He also thanked public bus operators involved for their collaboration in ensuring the success of the bus services to PPVs throughout the city.
“These bus services were put together especially for members of the public going to the vaccination centres because we are aware that some people have transportation problem and rely on public bus services.
“This is one of the government’s efforts to ensure the success of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, during the visit to Curtin University PPV, Lee witnessed the handover of 100 cartons of mineral water to the centre.
The mineral water was donated by two Miri City Council (MCC) contractors – Rhino Gaya Trading Co and Yong Construction.
Also present were Miri mayor Adam Yii, Curtin University Malaysia Head of Operation Pieter Pottas, and Curtin University PPV coordinator Dr Hiew Sing Yee.