KUCHING (April 15): The first two units of Sarawak’s Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) vehicles have successfully completed testing in China and are now ready for delivery to Kuching, marking another milestone for the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project.

In a statement, Sarawak Metro said the two units, referred to as “golden trains”, are expected to arrive in Kuching in the second quarter of this year.

Sarawak Metro chief executive officer Mazli Mustaffa, accompanied by the company’s technical team, recently visited Yibin, China, to carry out final inspections of the ART vehicles at the manufacturer’s facility.

The visit was aimed at verifying the vehicles’ overall readiness, workmanship quality, and compliance with project specifications prior to shipment.

“We are excited to welcome the ‘golden trains’ to Kuching soon, and we all look forward to commencing pilot operations later this year, bringing us closer to delivering a modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly public transportation system for the people of Sarawak,” said Mazli.

He added that Sarawak Metro remains committed to delivering the KUTS project safely, efficiently and sustainably, and expressed appreciation for the continued support and cooperation of the public.

Upon arrival in Sarawak, the vehicles will undergo gangway reassembly works at the Kuching ART Assembly Facility (KAAF).

Further testing will then be conducted at the ART depot in Rembus, Kota Samarahan, to ensure full operational readiness ahead of pilot operations scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.

Also present during Mazli’s visit to the manufacturing facility in Yibin were Hunan CRRC Intelligent Transport Technology Co Ltd general manager Peng Zhonghong and EPR Mobilus GR JV Sdn Bhd director Chan Chee Kian.

Credits: Aileen Yap, The Borneo Post 2026