Datuk Dr Jerip Susil. - Filepic/The Star
KUCHING: Sarawakians are encouraged to carpool to get to their respective polling stations come polling day on Nov 19, says state Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil.
He said this would help ease transportation and reduce travel costs for voters.
"If there is any opportunity to reduce congestion and provide convenience, and if there is any arrangement for individuals to carpool, by all means we encourage it.
"It will also build camaraderie in terms of coming together for the election," he told reporters after launching the AirAsia Ride ehailing service here on Thursday (Oct 27).
Dr Jerip also said that the state Transport Ministry had written to its Federal counterparts and the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) to increase the number of flights to Sarawak during the elections so that Sarawakians in Peninsular Malaysia can travel back to vote.
"We hope for a favourable outcome so that there can be more flights," he said.
AirAsia Ride regional chief executive Lim Chiew Shan said the company would consider rewarding drivers for transporting voters to polling stations on polling day.
"Bearing in mind our drivers will also be voting, there might not be enough supply on the road.
"So we plan to come up with some bonuses for drivers," he said when asked if AirAsia Ride would provide promotional fares on polling day.
Earlier, Dr Jerip welcomed AirAsia Ride's entry into Sarawak as it provided an alternative means of transport as well as job opportunities for Sarawakians.
He called on the company to maintain its "driver-forward" commitment, including low commission rates and other benefits.
"I understand that the AirAsia Ride fleet programme also provides drivers with EPF, Socso and insurance coverage, as well as better pay and job stability," he said.
Lim said AirAsia Ride currently has more than 350 drivers in Kuching and is targeting 500 by the end of the year.
"Potentially, we can go up to 3,000 drivers in Sarawak eventually," he said.
