China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) said as a key overseas reference, the Kuching project is providing valuable experience and technical references for the company’s efforts to promote ART technology in global markets.

CRRC representatives led by Hunan CRRC Zhixing Technology Co. Ltd. general manager Xiao Bingquan highlighted this when paying a courtesy call on Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin recently.

The delegation briefed Lee on the latest progress of the ART project and the growing global interest in ART technology.

Describing the ART project as an important overseas showcase, the delegation noted that the technical experience, specifications, and requirements developed during its implementation had provided valuable references for similar projects being pursued in other countries and regions.

“One such example is Hong Kong’s proposed Kai Tak Smart and Green Mass Transit System. According to the delegation, the technical specifications developed for the Kuching ART project have served as a reference for CRRC’s proposed ART solution for the Kai Tak project.

“The delegation also highlighted the application and development of ART technology in several Chinese cities, including Zhuzhou, Yibin, Changsha, Xi’an, Harbin, and Shanghai,” the ministry said in a statement.

Globally, ART technology has also been deployed in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates where the vehicles have been specially adapted to operate under extreme temperatures.

CRRC representatives told Lee that additional vehicles had been ordered for the Abu Dhabi project.

The delegation further briefed the minister on CRRC’s efforts to expand into other global markets, including planned ART vehicle trials in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ljubljana, Slovenia, as well as ongoing market development initiatives in Brazil and Argentina.

In welcoming these developments, Lee said it was encouraging to see the Kuching ART project not only contributing to the modernisation of Sarawak’s public transport system but also providing valuable technical experience and references for similar projects beyond Sarawak.

Meanwhile, Mobilus Sdn Bhd director and chief executive officer Chan Chee Kian briefed the minister on the latest production, testing, and delivery progress of the Kuching ART vehicles.

He said the ART vehicles had completed the required type tests at a specialised automotive testing facility in Chongqing, China, covering braking performance and other technical and safety requirements.

All required tests had been successfully completed, with the relevant test reports received this week.

The testing programme was witnessed by representatives from Sarawak Metro and project partners.

Chan said production had regained momentum, with the third and fourth ART vehicles expected to undergo pre-delivery inspections in December.

The project team is targeting the completion of six ART vehicles in total by the end of the year, including the two units already delivered to Sarawak.

Efforts are also underway to arrange for the shipment of the remaining four vehicles before year-end.

Lee emphasised that the manufacturer must maintain production momentum while ensuring strict compliance with all required technical, quality, and safety standards before the vehicles are delivered.

The meeting also discussed preparations for the local Completely Knocked Down (CKD) assembly programme in Kuching.

Lee hoped that the development of local assembly capabilities would create opportunities for technology transfer, skills development, and greater participation by Sarawak’s industries, while potentially positioning Kuching as a regional hub for ART vehicle assembly.

Sarawak’s investment in ART is aimed at providing an efficient and sustainable public transport alternative, easing traffic congestion, and reducing carbon emissions, he added.

Credits: Lim How Pim, The Borneo Post 2026