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| KUCHING, Nov 29: It is timely to develop transport hubs in strategic locations in Sarawak to provide higher freight volume per kilometre that move across district lines or State boundaries, and reduce length of haulage and transit time. Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said this was the recommendation following engagement with logistics and forwarding agencies. "The transport sector is the key to facilitating the movement of goods and contribute to the local economy. "The transport sector has contributed 8.1 per cent to GDP (gross domestic product) in 2019. The contribution in 2020 is 7.8 per cent and 7.9 per cent in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic," he told the august House when delivering his winding-up speech here today. Based on Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, Lee pointed out that the transport sector is projected to generate over 30,000 job opportunities by 2030. Furthermore, he said, the realisation of transport-related projects outlined in PCDS 2030 is expected to further reduce household expenditure for transport from 13.3 per cent per annum. "Nonetheless, Sarawak still has much to do as my ministry seeks to embark on the transformation of the transport sector in Sarawak." he added. In line with goals and objectives to improve Sarawak transport, Lee said his ministry is currently studying and refining its proposal for an integrated master plan for Sarawak which addresses strategies, policies and proposed schemes and measures, and specifies intended outcomes. "At the micro level, action plans are also prepare to ensure that urban transport systems are well connected through land, riverine and air so that the action plans and programmes formulated and prepared are both holistic and integrated," he added. With the transport sector set to catalyse Sarawak's transformation into a preferred investment and tourism destination in line with Sarawak's vision to becoming a high come economy by 2030, Lee said his ministry places high priority on providing strategic connectivity to major economic centres in Sarawak and beyond. "This is to facilitate and trigger the development of key economic sectors especially, agriculture, tourism, mining and manufacturing. "Therefore, we need a supportive regulatory framework with the right business model to attract private sector participation and reduce the dependency on government funding," he emphasised. |
| The Dayak Daily |