Sarawak ART ‘golden trains’ pass China tests, set to reach Kuching in second quarter 2026

The first two units of ART vehicles, dubbed the "golden trains", that will soon be shipped to Kuching.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, April 15: The first two units of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) vehicles, dubbed the “golden trains”, are set to arrive in Kuching in the second quarter of this year after successfully completing all required testing in China, marking a key milestone for the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project.

According to a media release today, the vehicles have been cleared for delivery following comprehensive trials, paving the way for their deployment as part of Sarawak’s push towards a modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly public transport system.

Mazli (seventh right), together with Peng (sixth right) and Chan (eigth right) witnessing the rollout of the first two ART vehicle units from the factory in Yibin, China.

Sarawak Metro chief executive officer Ts Mazli Mustaffa, accompanied by the organisation’s technical team, recently visited Yibin, China, to conduct final inspections at the manufacturer’s facility.

The visit focused on verifying the trains’ overall readiness, workmanship quality, and compliance with project specifications ahead of shipment.

“We are excited to welcome the ‘golden trains’ to Kuching soon and look forward to commencing pilot operations later this year, bringing us closer to delivering a modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly public transportation system for the people of Sarawak,” he said.

Mazli (third left) inspecting one of the “golden trains” during a visit to the factory in Yibin, China.

Mazli (centre) with Peng (right) and Chan during a visit to the manufacturing facility of the ART vehicles at Yibin, China.

Mazli added that Sarawak Metro remains committed to delivering the KUTS project safely, efficiently, and sustainably, while expressing appreciation for the public’s continued support as the project progresses.

Upon arrival in Sarawak, the ART vehicles will undergo gangway reassembly works at the Kuching ART Assembly Facility (KAAF).

They will then be subjected to a further round of testing at the ART depot in Rembus, Kota Samarahan, to ensure full operational readiness ahead of pilot operations scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.

Also present during the inspection visit in Yibin were Hunan CRRC Intelligent Transport Technology Co. Ltd general manager Peng Zhonghong and EPR Mobilus GR JV Sdn Bhd director Chan Chee Kian. — DayakDaily