Kuching: DAPSY Sarawak Varsity Affairs Director Arlena Wee Shi Ying has called on Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak and relevant authorities to take immediate measures to address parking and safety concerns faced by students.
Wee said Swinburne could have explored alternative solutions to its parking problems before the implementation of the Sarawak Government’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES).
“While I understand that Swinburne cannot construct a multi-storey car park in a short time, the question is how the university intends to cushion the difficulties students are currently facing,” she said in a statement today.
She said Swinburne had pointed to the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system as a potential solution, but questioned how long students would have to wait and what measures would be introduced in the meantime.
Wee proposed that Swinburne consider waiving parking fees for students if it cannot provide sufficient and safe parking facilities.
Students currently pay RM1.06 per hour, capped at RM6.36 per day, with monthly expenses potentially reaching RM180. The season pass costs RM63.60 per month, compared with the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) rate of RM42.40.
“While some may argue that these fees are not excessive, requiring students to pay for inadequate parking facilities while their safety remains compromised does not sit right with the objectives and promises of the Sarawak Government,” she said.
She also called on Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, as an MBKS representative, to raise the matter with PayNGo and explore possible solutions.
On safety, Wee urged Swinburne to increase security patrols beyond peak hours, install additional CCTV cameras at blind corners and throughout the campus, and establish an effective complaint and follow-up system for accidents and disputes.
She said better surveillance could assist investigations into accidents and hit-and-run incidents, particularly where students are forced to bear related costs due to insufficient evidence.
Wee called on the Sarawak Government, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Sim Kui Hian and Mayor Wee to address the concerns.
“Students deserve more than promises of future solutions. They deserve transparent communication, practical interim measures, and meaningful action,” she said.
