KUCHING, Dec 17 — Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh today urged Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg to put on hold the construction of “visionary” mega development projects, but instead to give priority on addressing the immediate needs of the people.

He said the premier had been talking all this while of Sarawak achieving a developed status by 2030 through the implementation of mega projects.

“This is too far-fetched when the people want the state government to address the immediate things, like high cost of living as a result of inflation, that has pushed up the prices of goods.

“That should be addressed immediately and sentimental requirements of the people that should be taken care of first,” Wong told reporters after chairing the party’s presidential council here.

He cited the construction of RM6 billion autonomous rapid transit (ART) as an example of an ambitious project with the first phase scheduled to be completed in 2025, stressing: “I bet it may not be successful. You take my word for it. It will not work.”

He said he doubts if the first phase of ART, which is part of the Kuching Urban Transportation System, will be completed by 2025.

Wong said instead of using the RM6 billion for the ART project, it should be used to build more rural roads, provide treated water and electricity supplies in the rural areas.

“According to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, the state needs at least more than 2,000 kilometres of rural roads to serve the rural areas.

“And yet, they do not want to do it. Instead, they build ART. Who wants to ride on an ART from Serian to Kuching? I won’t,” he said, adding that it will take about 40 minutes to drive from Serian to Kuching on the Pan Borneo Highway.

He also questioned Abang Johari’s vision of Sarawak becoming the first in South-East Asia to produce hydrogen as well as a hydrogen economy, saying that it may be good in the long term, but the people’s immediate requirements and needs should be taken care of first.

“The people cannot see that far; too far-fetched for the ordinary people. In a way the premier is too advanced and too progressive. But in a way not realistic,” Wong, who is a former Second Minister of Finance and e-Commerce, said.

Wong also questioned the state government’s move to set up an airline.