Safer, cheaper way to move goods

BINTULU: A railway linking Samalaju, Tg Kidurong, Bintulu Aiport and Mukah is in the pipeline and Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) is in the midst of drawing its designs.

This was disclosed by BDA general manager Datu Mohidin Ishak during a contract signing agreement on the proposed 9.5km road linking Mile 32 to the coastal road and the proposed infrastructural works at Samalaju Industrial Park (SIP) between Hock Seng Lee Berhad and BDA yesterday.

He said the rail transport system was essential in enhancing the growth of SIP and for Bintulu to benefit from spin-offs in the development projects in Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).
Senator Datuk Pau Chiong Ung, who was among those present at the function, believed it
would provide a cheaper cargo transport and ease traffic congestions as there would be less heavy vehicles carrying goods to and from SIP using the roads.
“There is always heavy traffic in our main trunk road with cargo movement from cities and towns and this may cause some safety issues.
“With the railway system, I believe lots of cargo can be transported since the railway will be connecting major ports and cities.

Pau added that he had raised the idea of building a railway in Bintulu in Parliament a few times and pledged to give another push for federal funding for the project before his term expired in December.
“This system is also one of the cheapest ways of transporting cargo as it reduces cost, thus customers will get goods at cheaper prices,” said Pau.

Meanwhile Mohidin said the proposed 9.5km single carriageway road costing RM64.5 million would be an alternative road for heavy vehicles commuting from the SIP and nearby industrial areas to the Tg Kidurong road, currently the only access to SIP.

To be completed by April 23, 2015, the proposed road will link Bakun junction along the Pan Borneo trunk road to the Samalaju gyratory at the coastal road.
“With the construction of this road, BDA can open another area at the Bakun junction for development,” he added.
He said the area, which was already a popular place for hawkers to ply their trade, could be developed into a commercial and residential centre.

The infrastructural works at SIP (Phase 2 stage 4-proposed drainage diversion works) costing is expected to cost RM16.5 million.

According to Mohidin the infrastructural works were expected to be completed within nine months.

Representing the contractor were its managing director Datuk Paul Yu Chee Hoe and site manager Wong Liong Hung.
Also present to witness the contract signing ceremony were Senator Datuk Pau Chiong Ung, Temenggong Barry Yek and Pemanca Dr Francis Toh.


Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/04/30/safer-cheaper-way-to-move-goods/#ixzz2RtclQJi3