(Kuching, 26th) Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd (Sarawak Metro) takes very seriously the allegations raised by an elected representative in a recent police report regarding the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project implementation.
It is understood that Chong Chieng Jen, Member of Parliament for Stampin from the Democratic Action Party (DAP), recently submitted a report to the company regarding its contractor damaging underground water pipelines, aiming to hold the company accountable.
According to a statement from Sarawak Metro on the matter, the company will continue to strive to minimize disruptions to public utility services throughout the KUTS project’s construction phase.
“This pertains to all aspects of the KUTS project construction process, especially infrastructure involving public utilities such as water, electricity, and telecommunications.”
Regarding the recent incident where the phase two contractor for the KUTS project’s Blue Line—a joint venture between Perbena Emas Sdn Bhd and CRBC (M) Holdings Sdn Bhd (PESB-CRM JV)—accidentally damaged a 600mm ductile iron pipe on Jalan Canna, the company reiterated that although all precautionary measures were taken to avoid such incidents, these accidents may still occur, especially in cases where certain utilities have not been mapped.
The company stated that PESB-CRM JV also explained in detail that, during piling works, the company accidentally struck a water pipe located about 4 meters underground.
“This depth is significantly deeper than the standard 1-meter cover.”
Generally, utility pipelines require such scanning, making this particular pipeline undetectable by standard scanning methods; although adequate preparations were made before construction, including underground detection mapping, joint inspections with Kuching Water Board, and preliminary trenching.
Sarawak Metro pointed out, “The PESB-CRM joint venture emphasized that the actual route and depth of the pipeline differed from existing records, leading to an unforeseen collision by the contractor.”
Regarding the recent incident where the phase two contractor for the KUTS project’s Blue Line—a joint venture between Perbena Emas Sdn Bhd and CRBC (M) Holdings Sdn Bhd (PESB-CRM JV)—accidentally damaged a 600mm ductile iron pipe on Jalan Canna, the company reiterated that although all precautionary measures were taken to avoid such incidents, these accidents may still occur, especially in cases where certain utilities have not been mapped.
The company stated that PESB-CRM JV also explained in detail that, during piling works, the company accidentally struck a water pipe located about 4 meters underground.
“This depth is significantly deeper than the standard 1-meter cover.”
Generally, utility pipelines require such scanning, making this particular pipeline undetectable by standard scanning methods; although adequate preparations were made before construction, including underground detection mapping, joint inspections with Kuching Water Board, and preliminary trenching.
Sarawak Metro pointed out, “The PESB-CRM joint venture emphasized that the actual route and depth of the pipeline differed from existing records, leading to an unforeseen collision by the contractor.”
Sarawak Metro also stated that the company and its contractors will continue to communicate proactively with relevant utility providers, especially before any excavation activities near mapped underground pipes and cables.
The company is grateful for the community’s support and understanding, especially over the past few days as it strives to develop a future green public transportation system for Greater Kuching.
“Sarawak Metro also sincerely thanks all relevant government agencies and utility providers for their close cooperation to ensure the smoothest possible implementation of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project.”
The company is grateful for the community’s support and understanding, especially over the past few days as it strives to develop a future green public transportation system for Greater Kuching.
“Sarawak Metro also sincerely thanks all relevant government agencies and utility providers for their close cooperation to ensure the smoothest possible implementation of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project.”