KUCHING: The Free School Bus Programme has been identified as one of the Sarawak Government’s pilot projects with the potential to reduce traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours around school areas.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the project was initiated along Jalan Stapok, involving two schools that frequently face traffic problems, namely Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (SJK) Chung Hua 6 and Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Maong Hilir.

“This is a project implemented together with the local elected representatives, and it serves as a pilot initiative to reduce the number of cars on the road during school hours.

“Based on statistics and data obtained through a tracking system, there has been a reduction in the number of vehicles using Jalan Stapok, where SJK Chung Hua 6 and SK Maong Hilir are located,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after the Launching and Official Opening Ceremony of the Free School Bus Programme and Smart Classroom at SJK Chung Hua 6 here on Monday.

The Sarawak Premier added that student safety had been fully taken into account, with tracking systems installed in the smart buses, including communication devices that allow interaction between children and their parents.

He explained that parents are provided with technological tools to monitor their children while they are on the school bus, while also helping them save on transportation costs for sending their children to school.

As such, he said, the service will continue to be expanded in urban areas, especially in school zones that frequently experience traffic congestion.

“This is a new approach that we are trying, and it appears to be effective. Therefore, we will look into expanding it with the cooperation of the community and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), with the government bearing the costs of the buses and services,” he added.

When asked about the Free School Bus Programme under Yayasan Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari said the programme would continue and be further improved, as it often faces issues related to student pick-up locations.

He explained that this pilot project, which is equipped with technology to track movement schedules, will be taken into consideration in efforts to enhance the programme under Yayasan Sarawak.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Chairman of the School Board of Governors Dato Jonathan Chai Voon Tok, Chairman of the Free School Bus Programme See Chee How, as well as other distinguished guests. -UKASnews

Reporter: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Translator: Uilson Ng
Photographer: Syafiq Khir