KUCHING: The Bas.My Kuching public bus service has officially extended its route to Batu Kawa, a move welcomed by residents and commuters in the area.
Announcing the expansion, LPKP Sarawak chairman Michael Kong said the decision came in response to strong public demand.
“Since the successful launch of our first route under the Bas.My Kuching brand, we have received overwhelming feedback and support from the public.
“One of the most frequent requests has been for the service to be extended to Batu Kawa, and today, we are proud to deliver on that request,” Kong said.
Starting immediately, six buses under the Bas.My Kuching programme will operate along the Batu Kawa route, enhancing access to residential areas, schools, commercial zones, and medical centres.
The new route connects neighbourhoods such as Everbright Park, Taman Kwong Thiong, Taman Boulder Built, Tematu Hill, Taman Chungnion Villa, Jalan Field Force, Taman Desa Wira, and RPR Batu Kawa.
It also includes stops at schools like SJK Chung Hua No. 4, SM Sunny Hill, SJK Chung Hua Batu Kawa, and SJK Chung Hua Stapok.
Key commercial locations on the route include Emart Batu Kawa, MJC Batu Kawa, Pines Square, 3rd Mile Market, and Batu Kawa Commercial Centre. Hospitals served include Timberland Medical Centre and Sarawak General Hospital.
Kong said weekday services begin at 5.30 am from SJK Chung Hua Batu Kawa and at 6.30 am from Saujana, with the final buses at 7.30 pm. Peak hours have been identified between 6.30 am to 8.30 am and 4.30 pm to 7.30 pm, during which buses will run every 30 minutes to meet demand.
“We recognise that traffic congestion is a major issue for residents in Moyan, Malihah, Sejijak, and the greater Batu Kawa area. By offering this reliable and efficient public transport service, we hope to provide a viable alternative to private car usage,” Kong said.
He added that the new route represents a significant milestone in efforts to improve public transport in Kuching and Sarawak.
“We encourage all Batu Kawa residents to take advantage of this service and experience public transport as a practical, comfortable, and sustainable travel option. We will continue to listen to the public and expand our services to build a more connected and accessible city,” he said.
By Connie Chieng