Kuching Urban Transportation System to launch pilot by year-end with hydrogen-powered fleet

The ART prototype vehicle navigating a bend at BCCK roundabout on its groundbreaking engineering run.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, April 1: Pilot operations for the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS), featuring hydrogen-powered tram-like vehicles, are set to begin by the end of this year, with Sarawak Metro planning to complement the system with 55 hydrogen-powered feeder buses.

Sarawak Metro director of Corporate Communication, SEED Programme, and Bumiputera Relations, Alexius Barieng, confirmed that the first hydrogen bus is expected to arrive in September.

“This follows the arrival of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) vehicles, scheduled for mid-year. By year-end, we will commence pilot operations for both systems,” he told Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) during a meeting at Baitulmakmur Building today.

Alexius (second left) presenting a memento to Awang Putrayusrie (second right) during a courtesy call on UKAS at its office in Baitulmakmur Building on April 1, 2026. Photo credit: Ukas

Earlier, Alexius led a Sarawak Metro delegation on a courtesy visit to UKAS director Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan and senior UKAS officers.

Beyond introducing zero-emission transport technology, Sarawak Metro is prioritising the development of local talent through its Socioeconomic Enhancement Development (SEED) Programme.

The initiative sends young apprentices to China for a four-week industrial attachment, providing hands-on experience with manufacturing processes and modern transportation technologies.

“Participants will undergo four weeks of training in China to gain direct knowledge of the manufacturing process. The first group will depart in mid-April, followed by a second group in May,” Alexius explained.

Since its launch in 2020, the SEED Programme has trained 40 apprentices, all of whom have been absorbed as full-time Sarawak Metro staff, playing vital roles in implementing the KUTS project.

Also present during the courtesy visit were Sarawak Metro senior manager of Promotion and Public Relations Alwana Ishak, senior manager of Media, Corporate Communication, SEED Programme and Bumiputera Relations Letitia Samuel, and assistant manager of Media Kuan Thai Far. — DayakDaily