By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 16: Sarawak’s Kuching Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project is serving as a key overseas reference for China-based rail transit manufacturer China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) as it expands into international markets.
Based on a press release, the project’s technical specifications and implementation experience have provided references for similar systems being pursued overseas, including Hong Kong’s proposed Kai Tak Smart and Green Mass Transit System.
This was highlighted during a recent courtesy call by a CRRC delegation led by Hunan CRRC Zhixing Technology Co Ltd general manager Xiao Bingquan on Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.
According to the delegation, the technical requirements developed for the Kuching ART project had helped inform CRRC’s proposed ART solution for the Hong Kong project.
The delegation also briefed Lee on ART technology’s development in Chinese cities, including Zhuzhou, Yibin, Changsha, Xi’an, Harbin and Shanghai.
Beyond China, CRRC has deployed ART vehicles in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where they have been specially adapted to operate under extreme temperatures. Additional vehicles have been ordered for the project.
The company is also pursuing planned ART vehicle trials in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ljubljana, Slovenia, while developing markets in Brazil and Argentina.
Lee said it was encouraging that Sarawak’s ART project was contributing technical experience and references for similar projects overseas while supporting the modernisation of the State’s public transport system.
Separately, Mobilus Sdn Bhd director and chief executive officer Chan Chee Kian briefed Lee on the production, testing and delivery progress of the Kuching ART vehicles.
Chan said the vehicles had completed the required type tests at a specialised automotive testing facility in Chongqing, China, covering braking performance and other technical and safety requirements.
All required tests had been completed successfully, with the relevant test reports received this week. The testing programme was witnessed by representatives from Sarawak Metro and the project partners.
Production has also regained momentum, with the third and fourth ART vehicles expected to undergo pre-delivery inspections in December.
The project team is targeting six vehicles in total by the end of 2026, including the two units already delivered to Sarawak. Arrangements are also underway to ship the remaining four vehicles before the end of the year.
Lee stressed that the manufacturer must maintain production momentum while ensuring strict compliance with all technical, quality and safety requirements before delivery.
The meeting also discussed preparations for the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) assembly programme in Kuching.
Lee said local assembly capabilities could create opportunities for technology transfer, skills development and greater participation by Sarawak’s industries, while potentially positioning Kuching as a regional hub for ART vehicle assembly.
He reiterated that Sarawak’s investment in ART was aimed at providing an efficient and sustainable public transport alternative, easing traffic congestion and reducing carbon emissions.
Also present were Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) permanent secretary Datu Wong Hee Sieng, EPR Mobilus Global Rail JV Sdn Bhd project director Mohd Asmadi Abdul Manaf, and the ministry’s Land Transport and Logistics Division head Chong Chi Fam. — DayakDaily
