Latest news with #LeeKimShin
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Borneo Post
Miri Airport upgrade projects 29 pct complete, ahead of schedule, says S'wak Transport Minister
Lee (right) inspects the progress of the upgrading projects at Miri Airport, joined by Mohd Jauhari (second left). MIRI (May 30): The five major infrastructure upgrade projects at Miri Airport are now 29 per cent completed – 15 per cent ahead of schedule, said Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. He said the upgrades are part of efforts to improve passenger comfort, operational efficiency, and future capacity at the airport. Speaking to reporters after chairing a meeting with Malaysia Airports Berhad (MAHB) Miri today, Lee said the ongoing projects include the renovation and refurbishment of passenger toilets, expected to be completed by Dec 23, 2025. Other upgrades include the replacement of escalators at the public concourse and arrival hall. The replacement of air conditioning and mechanical ventilation (ACMV) ducting is set to be completed and operational by mid-July 2025, while the rehabilitation works on the concrete slab at Apron Bay 1 are expected to finish by Feb 19, 2026. Additionally, the installation, testing and commissioning of a Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB) equipped with a Visual Docking Guidance System (VDGS) is expected to be completed by June 30, 2025. Lee also shared that the Public Works Department (JKR) has started preliminary design work for the proposed terminal expansion, with the initial study expected to conclude by November this year. Detailed design work is scheduled to commence in 2026. To further enhance the airport's appearance and passenger experience, Lee has proposed repainting the terminal building, which is now over 20 years old. As the ongoing works may cause temporary inconvenience, Lee urged airport users to exercise caution while navigating the terminal. 'Signage has been installed, and more will be added to help guide passengers during the upgrade period. 'I'm pleased that all the projects we've advocated are now underway. These improvements are essential, especially since Miri Airport has handled over two million passengers annually since 2013,' he added. Lee emphasises the government's commitment to preparing Miri Airport for future growth, while ensuring comfort and safety for all users. Also present at the press conference was Miri Airport manager Mohd Jauhari Abdullah. Lee Kim Shin Miri Airport upgrading projects
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sarawak's ART project on track with no cost overruns despite minor delays
KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak's Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) hydrogen tram project remains financially on course with no cost overruns reported, despite experiencing a slight delay of about 3.97 per cent, according to State Transport Minister Datuk Sri Lee Kim Shin. Responding to a query from Chong Chieng Jen (DAP–Padungan) during the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, Lee clarified that while there had been minor setbacks in the project timeline, these delays have not led to additional expenses for the state government. "The minor delay has not caused any cost overrun up to this stage," he said. Minister Lee addressed concerns in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, stating that any delays caused by contractors are subject to standard contract management practices, including the submission and execution of mitigation plans. Lee added that contractors are liable for Liquidated Ascertained Damages (LAD) in cases of delay and that they are required to submit and implement mitigation plans if delays arise to ensure project continuity and minimise disruption. The ART project, part of Sarawak's initiative to modernise its public transportation network, spans a 52-kilometre route through Kuching and is powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology. The project spanning Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian is reportedly expected to cost RM6 billion and may take approximately six to seven years to complete. The state government chose the ART system as a sustainable and innovative solution to its urban transit challenges. The first phase includes the Red Line, while the Green Line package has yet to be awarded, and the Yellow Line is planned for a subsequent phase. The ART system will feature driverless tram-like vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells, operating on dedicated trackless lanes. Each vehicle is designed to carry up to 300 passengers at speeds of up to 70 km/h. The first phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with operations commencing in 2026. As for the cost details of awarded packages, Lee said this information would be furnished in writing to Chong, who had submitted a formal request for a written reply. Lee reaffirmed the government's commitment to delivering the project efficiently and transparently, positioning Sarawak as a regional leader in green, future-forward public transport.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
KUTS Phase 1 slightly behind schedule, says minister
Lee (left) and ministry permanent secretary Datu Wong Hee Sieng go through the winding-up speech prior to the start of the sitting. KUCHING (May 27): Phase 1 of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) has achieved 29.89 per cent actual progress as of April this year, slightly behind the actual estimated progress of 33.86 per cent for the month, the august House was told yesterday. The Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin attributed the delay to the complexity and scale of the infrastructure works involved, which include extensive engineering and coordination efforts across multiple project sites. Despite this, he assured that construction is progressing steadily and remains aligned with Sarawak's broader goal of implementing a modern, green public transport system powered by clean hydrogen energy. 'KUTS, a flagship initiative under Sarawak's land transport transformation agenda, also supports the National Green Investment Strategies and the National Energy Transition Roadmap. 'To date, six infrastructure packages under KUTS have been awarded. Two have already been completed which is the Advanced Ground Foundation Works for the Rembus Depot, and a 3km stretch in Samarahan essential for the Proof of Concept trial run,' he said in his winding-up speech for his ministry. Lee said the remaining four packages—Rembus Depot Infrastructure Package, Blue Line Package 1, Blue Line Package 2, and the Red Line Package—are currently under construction. 'Preparations for the tendering of the Green Line infrastructure package are also underway,' he added. Apart from that, he highlighted national efforts complementing Sarawak's green mobility agenda, particularly the RM15 million Mobile Hydrogen Refuelling Station pilot project launched in Putrajaya. Lee also noted that the transport sector currently contributes about 16.3 per cent of the country's greenhouse gas emissions. 'This pilot project, alongside Sarawak's progressive hydrogen agenda, reinforces Malaysia's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 and supports our vision of becoming a regional hub for hydrogen mobility,' he said. DUN sitting Kuching Urban Transportation System Lee Kim Shin project delays
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
KUTS Phase 1 slight behind schedule, says minister
Lee (left) and ministry permanent secretary Datu Wong Hee Sieng go through the winding-up speech prior to the start of the sitting. KUCHING (May 27): Phase 1 of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) has achieved 29.89 per cent actual progress as of April this year, slightly behind the actual estimated progress of 33.86 per cent for the month, the august House was told yesterday. The Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin attributed the delay to the complexity and scale of the infrastructure works involved, which include extensive engineering and coordination efforts across multiple project sites. Despite this, he assured that construction is progressing steadily and remains aligned with Sarawak's broader goal of implementing a modern, green public transport system powered by clean hydrogen energy. 'KUTS, a flagship initiative under Sarawak's land transport transformation agenda, also supports the National Green Investment Strategies and the National Energy Transition Roadmap. 'To date, six infrastructure packages under KUTS have been awarded. Two have already been completed which is the Advanced Ground Foundation Works for the Rembus Depot, and a 3km stretch in Samarahan essential for the Proof of Concept trial run,' he said in his winding-up speech for his ministry. Lee said the remaining four packages—Rembus Depot Infrastructure Package, Blue Line Package 1, Blue Line Package 2, and the Red Line Package—are currently under construction. 'Preparations for the tendering of the Green Line infrastructure package are also underway,' he added. Apart from that, he highlighted national efforts complementing Sarawak's green mobility agenda, particularly the RM15 million Mobile Hydrogen Refuelling Station pilot project launched in Putrajaya. Lee also noted that the transport sector currently contributes about 16.3 per cent of the country's greenhouse gas emissions. 'This pilot project, alongside Sarawak's progressive hydrogen agenda, reinforces Malaysia's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 and supports our vision of becoming a regional hub for hydrogen mobility,' he said. DUN sitting Kuching Urban Transportation System Lee Kim Shin project delays
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
56 new stage buses introduced under SBST programme
File photo for illustration purposes KUCHING (May 27): A total of 56 new stage buses have been introduced across 10 key routes in Kuching under the State Bus Service Transformation (SBST) project, said Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. He was this was a major push to modernise Sarawak's public transport system, and that was currently servicing six routes, including the latest one to Kampung Benuk which began operations on May 22. 'Since the rollout on March 5 this year, the SBST project has recorded 34,860 passengers across five routes, namely Taman Malihah, King Centre, Bako, Bau and Serian. 'This initiative not only aims to improve accessibility to public transport in the city, but also reduce traffic congestion. Passengers can ride unlimited for just RM50 a month with the MyBas50 pass,' he said in his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting yesterday. He noted that students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities are eligible for free rides under the programme. As of May 13, a total of 2,175 applications for MyBas50 and concession cards were received since the initiative were introduced in March. Lee also announced that the 14 smart stage buses that were introduced in Miri in October 2024 saw ridership reaching 455,068 in just six months, which indicates growing public confidence in the bus system. 'These buses are equipped with electronic ticketing machines that accept debit and credit cards, e-wallets and cash, and registration and reload services for the passes are available at the Kuching Open Air Market bus station,' he said. On intercity travel, Lee said express buses remain an essential mode of transport, particularly for those commuting for work, studies or to visit family. Based on data from Kuching Sentral Bus Terminal, he said an average of 37 express bus trips depart daily. The most popular domestic routes are to Sibu, Bintulu, Sarikei, Miri, and Sri Aman, with Sibu topping the list at 3,669 passengers or 19.3 per cent of the total 19,023 passengers last year. Meanwhile, Pontianak remains the most popular international destination with 4,818 passengers recorded in 2024, or 25.3 per cent of outbound international travellers. 'To meet rising demand and ensure service reliability, my ministry will continue to collaborate with bus operators, relevant agencies and our counterparts in Indonesia,' he said. He also highlighted that plans are underway to develop an integrated Intelligent Transport System (ITS) to enhance coordination, efficiency and the passenger travel experience, although it remains in the early planning stages.
