Hydrogen-powered ART, green transport push highlighted during South Korea-founded volunteer group visit

Lee (standing, third left) and ASEZ East Malaysia president Steven Kwon (standing, second right) display ASEZ’s signature in support of the plastics treaty during a courtesy visit to the minister’s office at Bangunan Baitulmakmur in Petra Jaya on Jan 20, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Jan 20: Sarawak’s push for low-carbon public transport, including hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) under the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS), took centre stage during a courtesy visit by a South Korea-founded international volunteer group to the State Transport Ministry today.

According to a press release, a six-member delegation from ASEZ paid a courtesy call on Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin at his office at Bangunan Baitulmakmur here.

Save the Earth From A to Z (ASEZ) is an international volunteer organisation founded in South Korea and led by university students from 175 countries. The organisation is involved in global initiatives related to environmental protection and human welfare, including climate action, community service and disaster relief. One of its major global campaigns, “Zero Plastic 2040”, aligns with international efforts to eliminate plastic pollution by 2040.

During the meeting, Lee welcomed the delegation and commended ASEZ’s commitment to environmental protection and youth-led volunteerism. He emphasised that climate change is a global challenge that transcends national boundaries, stressing that regardless of nationality—whether Korean, Malaysian or otherwise—everyone shares a collective responsibility to protect the Earth.

Lee also shared Sarawak’s efforts to address climate change through sustainable and low-carbon transportation initiatives. Among the key projects highlighted were the KUTS, featuring hydrogen-powered ART, as well as the deployment of 56 hydrogen-powered feeder buses in Phase One, both aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner urban mobility.

In addition, the ministry continues to encourage greater public use of public transportation. Lee cited the free Miri Smart Bus service as a positive example, noting that since its introduction, more residents have opted to travel by bus—helping to ease traffic congestion while contributing to environmental sustainability. He added that schools have also played a role, with teachers bringing students to use public buses, instilling sustainable travel habits from a young age.

The minister also exchanged views with the delegation on Sarawak’s sustainable public transport planning and listened to feedback and ideas shared by the university student volunteers, reaffirming the importance of engaging youth perspectives in shaping future transport policies. — DayakDaily