Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg that there is an allocation under the state's Budget 2018 to carry out the respective studies on the implementation of the LRT project. — Picture by Sulok Tawie

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 ― Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has said he is confident the proposed light rail transit (LRT) project in the state could be implemented as early as 2019 once feasibility studies are completed.

He said that there is an allocation under the state's Budget 2018 to carry out the respective studies on the implementation of the LRT project, local daily The Borneo Post reported on its website today.

“We can start the LRT project after the feasibility studies are done. We can start the project by 2019,” he reportedly said during the state assembly sitting yesterday.

Abang Johari said that the feasibility studies would include the routes which it would take, soil conditions and the power it would be using.

The chief minister has said the LRT will be developed in stages to serve as triggers for the development and growth of Kuching and its surrounding areas.

In the long term, he said he could envisage Greater Kuching area to encompass not just Kota Samarahan and Padawan, but also Bako, Damai, Lundu, Bau, and Serian.