DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 22: Both the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) vehicles and feeder buses under the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project are scheduled to arrive in stages in 2026, with operations for the Blue Line, connecting Rembus in Kota Samarahan to the Hikmah Exchange in Kuching city centre, anticipated to commence by the end of the same year.
Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd CEO Mazli Mustaffa revealed this when receiving a working visit from Minister for Transport Sarawak (MOTS) Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin today to several key KUTS construction sites in Kuching and Kota Samarahan to assess project progress.
Lee noted that contractors had since caught up with the project timeline following his previous inspection and commended the improved pace of work.
He urged all parties involved to sustain and further strengthen this momentum to ensure the ART Blue Line (Package 1) remains on track to begin operations in the fourth quarter of next year.
At the same time, he reminded contractors to stay vigilant against on-ground challenges such as underground utilities, while maintaining strict compliance with safety and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
He also emphasised the importance of minimising traffic congestion, prioritising public safety, and reducing inconvenience to the public throughout the construction period.
During the site visit, Lee inspected the Rembus Depot in Kota Samarahan, the ART Blue Line alignment in Kota Samarahan, and the Northbank ART Station. He was briefed on project progress, key challenges, and upcoming works.
At the Rembus Depot, he was received by Mazli and representatives from the main contractor joint venture comprising Azam Sehasrat Sdn Bhd, IJM Construction Sdn Bhd, and Unique Deco Sdn Bhd. The briefing covered the depot’s scope of works, including mechanical and infrastructure workshops, an administration and operations control centre, and a stabling yard.
Lee later inspected a section of the Blue Line ART lane and visited the Northbank Station, where the contractor joint venture of Ibraco Construction Sdn Bhd, China Railway Engineering Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd, and Nanyang Tunnel Engineering Sdn Bhd presented updates on site progress and construction challenges.
Following the inspection, Lee reminded all contractors to continue strengthening their workforce, adhere closely to project timelines, and deliver quality workmanship while ensuring minimal inconvenience to road users and nearby communities.
Meanwhile, Mazli reaffirmed that both the ART vehicles and feeder buses are expected to arrive in stages next year, ahead of the system’s targeted operational launch by end-2026.
“We are getting ready to receive the ART vehicles and feeder buses in stages next year, and to commence both services by the end of 2026,” he said, while urging all contractors to remain fully committed to the project timeline to ensure a smooth rollout.
Also present during the visit were Deputy Minister for Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, officers from the Ministry of Transport Sarawak, and senior management representatives. — DayakDaily
