By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Aug 1: Sarawak’s first batch of hydrogen buses began their two-week trial run in Kuching today.
The trial run will end on August 14.
The first batch comprises three hydrogen buses which will be running routes covering Kuching Waterfront to Damai Beach; Jalan Tun Abdul Rahman Yakub to Medan Niaga Kubah Ria; Jalan Abell, Jalan Padungan, Jalan Sentral Timur, Jalan Tun Haji Openg, Jalan Satok, Jalan Kulas, Jalan Muda Hashim and Jalan Datuk Ajibah Abol.
Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) general manager Abdul Hadi Abdul Kadir in a press statement said that the hydrogen buses will undertake the two-week trial run along several routes within major parts of the city. For the time being, the buses will not be ferrying passengers.
According to him, the trial run will be closely monitored by officers from SEDC and engineers from Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), Foshan Feichi Automobile Manufacturing Co. Ltd of China and Linde Hydrogen FuelTech.
The trial run is to test the buses’ hydrogen fuel consumption levels and monitor their performance while traveling along the designated routes, as well as to address any refueling issues that may arise due to contributing factors such as weather and heavy traffic.
This reporter observed the buses are equipped with comfortable seats, air conditioners and CCTV to monitor the passengers and the road conditions.
These buses are products of Foshan Feichi Automobile Manufacturing Co. Ltd of China. Engineers of the company are tagging along with the bus drivers during the trial run.
SEDC has received the approval from the Road Transport Department (RTD) and Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) for the commissioning of its hydrogen bus service in Kuching city. — DayakDaily
