The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) spearheads the implementation of an integrated transportation terminal (ITT) project in Bandar Tun Abdul Razak to meet rising public transportation demands as well as to set the tone for more social and recreational activities.
Construction of the terminal will begin by end of this month and is expected to be completed by October 2012, based on a modern design coupled with public amenities at an estimated cost of RM10 million.
The ITT project was announced by Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, at the ‘HariPeneroka 2011’ and renaming of the town to Bandar Tun Abdul Razak today at Stadium Mini Bandar Pusat Jengka.
The Prime Minister described the ITT as a strategic project that will benefit the local populace. This, he said, was one of the Federal Government’s initiatives to revive the areas formerly under the Development Authority of Pahang Tenggara (DARA) and Jengka Regional Development Authority (LKWJ) which were dissolved in 1997.
“The terminal with a gross floor area of more than 46,000 sqft would feature amenities such as bowling centre, WiFi hotspots, ATMs, retail shops, food court, business premises, air-conditioned waiting lounge, surau as well as facilities for the disabled,” said Dato’ Sri Najib.
He also said ECERDC in collaboration with the Pahang State Government and the local authorities had in 2010 implemented several public projects with a total provision of RM8.75 million in Jengka that include building a food court in Tapak Ekspo Nadi Kota, upgrading Nadi Kota Mini Stadium, upgrading of roads and drains in the Jengka area as well as installation of traffic lights at Simpang Empat Nadi Kota.
ECERDC’s chief executive officer Dato’ JebasingamIssace John said the new terminal which replaces the decades old Terminal Nadi Kota, was expected to boost the mobility to and within Jengka and serve as a catalyst for growth for intercity movements.
“The new terminal will enhance the area’s economic potential, encourage more travel and boost economic activities. The terminal not only promises improved access to public transport and attractive commercial facilities, but also a conducive meeting point for families, youths, and residents living in surrounding areas,” said Issace.
He added the new terminal will upon completion serve Jengkatownship’s increasing population of about 50,000 as well as Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Jengka campus’ 10,000 students.
“The bowling centre will provide an excellent recreational facility for the people of Jengka especially the youths,” said Issace.
When completed, the terminal will have air-conditioned waiting lounges for bus and taxi passengers that can accommodate up to 200 people, two arrival and departure halls, a public drop-off and pick-up porch, an electronic information board and a public address system.
Meanwhile, transport operators will be served by a planned and safe vehicle circulation system supported with 11 bus bays, eight taxi bays, two driver resting areas, counters which can accommodate six bus company ticket counters, and a taxi operations centre.
Incorporating green feature, the new terminal has some environmentally friendly features such as passive cooling for greater energy efficiency, water conservation, and roof insulation to keep the building cool.