Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government would subsidise ART operations to ensure the service remains accessible and affordable for the public.

“Our benchmark is similar to what is offered elsewhere, but I want to make it even cheaper, cheaper than the LRT,” he told reporters after officiating at the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) SM07 Station Naming Rights Signing Ceremony between Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd and Ibraco Berhad at The Northbank Station here.

Abang Johari said Sarawak was also exploring an integrated travel package linking ART fares with flights operated by AirBorneo, allowing passengers to enjoy a seamless journey from their arrival at the airport to their final destinations.

Under the proposed arrangement, travellers would be able to purchase a single ticket covering both airfare and ART transportation to hotels or commercial areas located near ART stations.

“For example, if they buy a ticket from Kuala Lumpur, they may purchase a ticket costing RM375 and add on the ART journey, all the way to the hotel, because most hotels will be located near our stations,” he said.

He said the initiative would enhance the overall travel experience while supporting tourism growth by making movement within Kuching more convenient.

On passenger safety, Abang Johari said ART vehicles would be equipped with surveillance cameras connected directly to the Rembus Operations Control Centre, allowing journeys to be monitored in real time.

He added that parents would also be able to track their children’s trips through a mobile application.

Earlier in his speech, Abang Johari responded to criticism over Sarawak’s decision to introduce the hydrogen-powered ART system, saying innovation required bold decisions and calculated risks to transform Kuching into a modern, clean and sustainable city.

“People criticised me, saying ‘Oh, it is not mature yet’. But today, everyone is talking about alternative hydrocarbons, which is hydrogen,” he said.

He said Sarawak’s move into green hydrogen technology had attracted international interest, with various delegations seeking to learn from the state’s experience.

The KUTS network will eventually expand beyond Kuching to other urban areas, forming an integrated transport backbone to support Sarawak’s development.

The ART system, which is planned to be powered by green hydrogen fuel cells, is designed to provide a quiet and emission-free mode of transport as part of Sarawak’s transition towards cleaner mobility.

Among those present at the ceremony were State Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Ibraco Group managing director Datuk Chew Chiaw Han and Sarawak Metro chief executive officer Mazli Mustaffa.

Credits: Jude Toyat, The Borneo Post 2026