KUCHING (April 24): Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd (Sarawak Metro) has been awarded a private frequency spectrum from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for the communications system of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS).

“This milestone makes Sarawak Metro the first organisation in Malaysia’s railway and public transportation industry to obtain a dedicated private frequency spectrum to operate its wireless communication system, an essential component for the operations of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system,” Sarawak Metro said in a statement.

The spectrum awarded is the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) – the next-generation global standard for railway wireless communication that promises enhanced digital rail services, increased safety, and high-capacity data transmission.

Sarawak Metro chief executive officer Mazli Mustaffa highlighted the importance of adopting future-ready technologies, particularly with regard to the evolution of FRMCS in the future.

“We are now closer towards implementing a highly reliable and efficient communications system for the KUTS project, and with FRMCS available for our ART system, we will also be able to ensure the system remains aligned with MCMC’s regulatory direction as well as future spectrum planning and allocation,” he said.

Sarawak Metro successfully completed live trials of its Radio Telecommunication System (RTS), which is based on FRMCS architecture, in October 2024.

Meanwhile, Mazli expressed his appreciation to MCMC for its support in advancing the digitalisation efforts in Sarawak’s public transport sector during a recent courtesy call on the commission’s headquarters in Cyberjaya.

“Moving forward, we look forward to continuous engagements and strengthening collaborations with all industry stakeholders, especially with MCMC.

“This will be key to ensuring alignment, knowledge sharing, and the sustainable development of the ecosystem,” he said.

Credits: Lim How Pim, The Borneo Post 2026