Kuching: Improving bus stops and pedestrian walkways is crucial to encourage greater use of public transportation, said the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) Sarawak Chairman Michael Kong Feng Nian, following a courtesy visit to the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) Chairman recently.
Kong said the meeting served as an opportunity for both parties to discuss transportation-related concerns and explore ways to strengthen cooperation to improve infrastructure supporting public transport initiatives, particularly the Bas.My Kuching programme.
“Public transport services alone are not enough. Supporting infrastructure such as safe bus stops and proper pedestrian walkways is equally important if we want more people to choose buses as their daily mode of transportation,” he said.
He noted that while LPKP Sarawak is currently reviewing several bus routes to better serve communities, improvements to on-the-ground facilities are necessary to ensure commuters can access bus services safely and conveniently.
“If bus stops are poorly maintained or pedestrians do not have proper walkways to reach them, many people will hesitate to use public transport. These are practical issues that we must address if we want the system to succeed,” he added.
During the meeting, Kong said LPKP Sarawak also suggested that if the council faces financial limitations in upgrading bus stops or walkways, the board would be open to assisting with the improvements.
“We are prepared to explore options such as securing funding or working through public-private partnerships to upgrade certain facilities, provided the local authority grants the necessary consent,” he said.
Apart from public transport infrastructure, the discussion also covered several issues frequently raised by residents, including overloaded heavy vehicles travelling through residential areas, indiscriminate parking within housing estates, and the spillage of loads from lorries.
“These are matters that require cooperation between multiple agencies and the local authority. By working closely together, we believe we can find practical solutions that benefit the public,” Kong said.
He added that LPKP Sarawak looks forward to continued engagement with MPP to improve transportation conditions and local infrastructure within the council’s jurisdiction.
“Our goal is ultimately the same — to create a safer, more efficient and more accessible transport environment for the community,” he said.
