KUCHING (April 16): Kuching is expected to receive between five and six hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) vehicles this year, marking a key milestone as the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project moves closer to operations.

Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Mazli Mustaffa said two ‘golden trains’ are now ready for shipment from China, signalling that the project has entered a critical phase transitioning from construction to testing and commissioning.

“From a technical standpoint, everything is ready. However, in terms of documentation, particularly import documentation, the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) still needs to complete several processes before shipment,” he told reporters during Sarawak Metro Gemilang Raya 2026 at Waterfront Hotel here.

He said the trains are expected to arrive in the second quarter of the year and will be transported to the Kuching ART Assembly Facility (KAF) in Demak Laut for reassembly.

“They will undergo further testing at the assembly plant before more comprehensive trials are carried out along the alignment to ensure the system is safe for public operations,” he said.

Mazli said the testing and commissioning process is expected to take place in the third and fourth quarters of the year, paving the way for pilot operations by year-end.

He expressed confidence that Blue Line Package 1, from Rembus to Riveria, will meet its targeted timeline, with pilot operations to begin before full operations next year.

“We are now nearing the end of the construction stage and transitioning into testing and commissioning,” he said.

On challenges, Mazli said global geopolitical tensions, including disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, have impacted logistics and shipping routes, with some equipment now rerouted via longer paths.

He added that of the 38 ART units planned, 10 will be delivered as complete built units (CBU), while the remaining 28 will be assembled locally under the completely knocked down (CKD) programme at the Kuching ART Assembly Facility.

Also present were Deputy State Secretary (Operation) Datu Hii Chang Kee and former Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion.

Credits: Aliah Abdullah, The Borneo Post 2026