Sarawak Metro to start KUTS pilot operations by year end

KUCHING (April 1): The Kuching Urban Transformation System (KUTS) is slated to begin pilot operations by the end of this year, said Sarawak Metro’s Corporate Communication, SEED Programme and Bumiputera Relations director, Alexius Barieng.

He revealed that Sarawak Metro plans to deploy 55 hydrogen-powered feeder buses to complement the system, with the first unit expected to arrive in September, following the mid-year arrival of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) unit.

“By year-end, we will commence pilot operations for both systems,” he told the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) during a courtesy call at Bangunan Baitul Makmur today.

The visit aimed to introduce Sarawak Metro’s zero-emission transport initiatives and strengthen collaboration with Ukas.

Alexius was received by Ukas director Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan and senior officers.

Beyond green transport technology, Sarawak Metro is investing in human capital through its Socioeconomic Enhancement Development (SEED) Programme.

The initiative sends young apprentices to China for four-week industrial attachments, offering hands-on experience in manufacturing processes and modern transportation technologies.

“The first group will depart in mid-April, followed by the second group around May,” he said.

Since the programme’s inception in 2020, 40 apprentices have been absorbed as full-time staff at Sarawak Metro, contributing to the KUTS project’s implementation.