Manyin (second left) pats the back of up and coming Bidayuh golfer Immanuel David after presenting him with a cash incentive. Looking on are DBNA president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik (first left) and Immanuel’s father David Philip Jerol.

KUCHING: Youth, Sports and Solidarity Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong believes the proposed Light Rail Transit (LRT) system will bring a lot of benefits especially to Serian division once implemented.

The LRT system will cut short traveling time from Kuching to Serian to probably 20 minutes only and vice versa, which would make it an attractive place for those looking for residential homes.

“The Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, during the last cabinet meeting on Thursday, said he was committed to build the LRT connecting Kuching, Samarahan and Serian divisions within the next three years.

“With many new projects now about to take place in Serian, all these are going to bring a lot of changes to Serian,” he said when officiating at the prize presentation for the 13th World Bidayuh Golf Championship (WBGC) on Saturday.

He added Serian would have its RM 200 million administrative complex and conference centre ready by 2019, which would be complemented by the commercial development at the Serian town extension.

“Soon, an iconic bridge will be built and the Ranchan Pool recreational area will be upgraded.”

Abang Johari was recently quoted as saying the LRT system connecting Kuching, Samarahan and Serian divisions could materialise by 2020.

The Chief Minister said the LRT system was being studied for inclusion in the public transport plan to solve traffic congestion in the three divisions as their total population had reached one million.

“We are now surveying the route. The study will take six months, after that, we will find the right technology and the right partner,” he had told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur recently.