KUCHING (Jan 6): Sarawak Metro now operates as a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) following its transition to become wholly owned by the Sarawak State Financial Secretary (SFS).
Previously a subsidiary of the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), Sarawak Metro’s new status forms part of Sarawak’s strategic restructuring initiative aimed at strengthening corporate governance and ensuring closer alignment with the state’s development agenda.
Its chief executive officer Mazli Mustaffa described the move as a strategic decision by the Sarawak government to better streamline governance structures and development strategies. “This marks an exciting phase for Sarawak Metro but also brings greater responsibilities, with more deliverables to be achieved this year and in the years ahead,” he added in a press release.
Mazli said that Sarawak Metro remains committed to transforming the public transport sector in Kuching. He noted that this year would be particularly challenging as the company is currently undertaking major infrastructure works for the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project, with the first stage of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) operations expected to commence by the end of 2026.
Construction of the ART lines began two years ago, starting with the Blue Line, followed by works on the Red Line. Both lines comprise stations and dedicated lanes forming part of the ART network. In addition, Sarawak Metro is also constructing the ART depot for the KUTS project, which is located at Rembus in Kota Samarahan.
