THE COURTESY CALL TO MINISTER OF TRANSPORT MALAYSIA BY MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT SARAWAK

The Minister for Transport Sarawak, YB Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin led a delegation of officers from Ministry of Transport Sarawak for a courtesy call to YB Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport, Malaysia in Putrajaya on 11th January 2023.

The main objective of the visit was to discuss pertinent issues and proposals to improve transportation in Sarawak with the Minister of Transport Malaysia and his Ministry’s officers

During the visit, YB Dato Sri Lee was accompanied by YB Datuk Dr. Jerip Susil, the Deputy Minister for Transport Sarawak (Aviation and Road), YB Dato Henry Harry Jinep, the Deputy Minister for Transport Sarawak (Riverine and Marine), the Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) Advisor, Dr. Lawrence Tseu Sed Kong and other MOTS officials.

Among the topics discussed include policy matters involving land, maritime and riverine, as well as aviation.

Under Land Transport, the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) and Sarawak's RM1.00 Bus Flat Rate Fare Subsidy Programme and MOTM  Interim Stage Bus Support Fund (ISBSF) was discussed.  Policy and licensing matters on Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) were also discussed.

Under Maritime and Riverine, the salvaging, removal and disposal of shipwrecks at main navigation channel of Sarawak's coastal areas and rivers were raised.  The acquisition of the Marina at Isthmus, Kuching and vessel traffic system with Automatic Identification System (AIS) for the coastline in Sarawak were also addressed.

Under Aviation, the discussion was focused on the expansion and upgrading of Sarawak airports and STOLports, the way forward in improving airport standards and provision for rural air services (RAS).

The courtesy call provided an avenue for the Ministry of Transport Sarawak to foster close collaboration between Sarawak and the Ministry of Transport Malaysia as well as relevant transport agencies in moving forward to improve and transform the transport sector in Sarawak.