KOTA KINABALU: Luyang MP Ginger Phoong raised several of his underlying concerns about the Sky Train project that will reduce traffic congestion in the state capital.
Phoong said in a statement on Sunday that he was also concerned about the transparency and accountability of the project.
"I cautiously welcome the state government's effort to introduce large public transport infrastructure to solve the long-term traffic congestion problem in Kota Kinabalu," Phoong said.
He pointed out that Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said that there are currently three companies keen to develop the Sky Train project through the private finance initiative (PFI).
The consortium of three companies is Guancai (M) Sdn Bhd, China State Construction Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd and Vizione Development Sdn Bhd, he said, adding that Bung, also Minister of Public Works, had asked for a more proposal. detailed to the three companies for the authorities concerned to study them further.
"I would like to raise multiple concerns underlying the project and urge the government to respond to maintain transparency. First, the government should further develop the Sky Train project.
"Does this mean a suspended, driverless, suspended passenger rail system that is relatively cheaper to build than traditional rail systems?" If so, how many countries use this system?
"In a few cities in China, including Shanghai itself, are still in a trial period, are there any successful cases to prove the effectiveness of the project? The SkyTrain (H-bahn) only worked in small towns as well as university campuses and airport transits in Germany. How would that be effective for a city of about a million people like Kota Kinabalu? Phoong asked.
He pointed out that, according to related reports, the capacity of the Sky Train is relatively less than that of light rail transits.
The deputy chief minister is to explain how this would solve the capital's road congestion, Phoong said.
He also said that the Sky Train has been proven to travel at around 50 to 60 kilometers per hour (km / h) depending on the articles, which is relatively slow.
"For example, from KKIA to 1Borneo mall would take up to an hour or more. The biggest concern is how would this encourage the public to use public transport and how would it effectively reduce traffic during rush hours?
"I am also concerned about transparency and accountability. Datuk Seri Bung Moktar must maintain transparency by revealing the track record of those companies who wish to invest, including their past achievements, especially in building railway systems, "he said.
Phoong also asked what the state government would trade in exchange for the development funded by the private sector and this needs to be explained to the public as it involves the public interest.
Why has the government been so firm on the decision with the Sky Train project and not consider other options such as ART and LRT systems, he stressed.
In fact, Phoong pointed out, there are many viable options and he believes the government should be open to proposals and suggestions to select the best system that works for the city of Kota Kinabalu.
The state government must be open to options to ensure that development solves the problem of traffic congestion once and for all, he said.
"Therefore, to resolve all these underlying concerns, I would like to urge the state government to reestablish the state assembly to maintain the spirit of control and balance. Before implementing the project, the state assembly must discuss it so that the capital can benefit from the best option, "he said.
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