Sarawak Metro apprentices gain hands-on experience with Prasarana ahead of KUTS operation launch

KUCHING (Jan 20): A total of 18 Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd’s Young Talent Programme (YTP) apprentices and staff recently took part in an attachment programme with Prasarana Malaysia Berhad in Selangor to gain hands-on experience ahead of the commencement of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) operations later this year.

The apprentices are part of Sarawak Metro’s Socio-Economic Enhancement Development programme, which aims to develop a pool of skilled local manpower to operate and maintain the KUTS.

Participants undergo a 24-month apprenticeship before being absorbed as a full-time Sarawak Metro employee.

Sarawak Metro chief executive officer Mazli Mustaffa said such exposure was crucial, particularly through collaboration with well-established public transport operators like Prasarana.

“As we gear towards the commencement of our Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) service, scheduled to begin operations in the fourth quarter of the year, it is essential that our employees are fully prepared.

“Gaining hands-on operational experience is therefore an important part of our readiness efforts,” he said in a statement.

Mazli said Sarawak Metro also plans to collaborate with other established public transport operators in the region for similar attachment programmes in the future.

He expressed appreciation to Prasarana for providing the opportunity, noting that the experience was invaluable in enhancing the participants’ practical knowledge and operational exposure.

The 10-day programme, which concluded on Dec 24 last year, saw 11 participants attached to Prasarana’s Rapid Rail Ampang Line, where they gained practical exposure in a Grade of Automation 2 operational environment.

The remaining participants were attached to Prasarana Bus Academy, where they underwent structured training covering best practices in bus fleet operations, preventive maintenance, depot management and passenger service delivery.