MIRI (Nov 10): The Ministry of Transport (MoT) Sarawak has successfully launched the Sarawak Smart Transport App (SSTA) for Miri Smart Buses, the first subscriber to adopt the SSTA platform for its bus services here, said Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

The state Transport Minister said the launch marked another milestone in Sarawak’s smart mobility journey, reflecting the state’s growing capability to develop world-class digital transport solutions that enhance public convenience and support evidence-based policymaking.

“The SSTA is a locally developed digital platform by Karuna (Sarawak) Enterprise Sdn Bhd, supported by the MoT Sarawak. It is part of a public-private partnership initiative and fully funded by Karuna,” Lee told a press conference after launching the SSTA at a leading hotel here today.

He said Miri City Bus is the first public transport operator to implement the system under the SSTA platform, which integrates Internet of Things (IoT) technologies such as global positioning system (GPS) routers for live bus location tracking and people-counting cameras.

Lee also revealed that the same smart transport technology is also being adopted by Miri City Council’s garbage trucks to help optimise their collection routes and improve operational efficiency.

“The SSTA operates on a subscription-based model, where Karuna supplies, maintains and continuously upgrades the IoT infrastructure and digital platform.

“This allows operators to embrace digitalisation without having to bear large upfront costs,” he said.

He added that the system also integrates operational data with the reporting format required by the ministry, helping to streamline compliance and enhance transparency.

Through the platform, Lee explained that bus operators gain access to live GPS tracking and route monitoring via the SSTA dashboard, automated ridership reports and analysis for better route planning, and public visibility of their buses through the SSTA mobile app, thus enhancing passenger trust and convenience.

“The SSTA is now available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, giving commuters access to live bus locations, estimated times of arrival, and route connectivity, all within a single mobile platform,” he said, adding that the system is designed to allow future enhancements, including bus payment terminals and reloadable transport cards for seamless fare collection across all routes.

He pointed out that by consolidating real-time data from bus operators and enabling digital payments, MoT Sarawak can now evaluate ridership performance, optimise routes, and support data-driven policy decisions for the benefit of all Sarawakians.

Lee also highlighted that the SSTA supports the objectives of the Miri Smart City Initiative and aligns with Sarawak’s Green Mobility Vision.

“This locally developed platform shows how Sarawak can deliver practical, data-driven and cashless solutions that support smart city and green mobility goals.

“Smart transport initiatives form the foundation for smarter policymaking and better public service delivery,” he said.

He hopes that the introduction of the SSTA would encourage more Miri residents, especially students and young commuters, to make greater use of public transport.

“At present, the 14 smart buses operating in Miri are part of a pilot project for free bus services.

“With the SSTA, we can monitor ridership numbers and routes more effectively, allowing us to make improvements where needed,” he said.

Lee also revealed that his ministry is also working with the Miri Education Office to encourage schools to familiarise students with public transport use.

“We want students to have the experience of riding on public buses and using the app. This will help promote a public transport culture among our younger generation,” he said.

Also present were Miri City Bus Sdn Bhd director Ling Chiong Sing, Miri deputy mayor councillor Arifin Mohamad, chief executive officer of Karuna (Sarawak) Enterprise Sdn Bhd Melvin Ong Sze Hua and managing director of Karuna Integrated Technology Sdn Bhd (Penang) Andy Lim.

Credits: Jenifer Laeng, The Borneo Post 2025