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By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Seopt 6: Sarawak’s move towards green mobility through the implementation of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system is testament of the government ‘walking the talk’ towards sustainability, which has even captured the interest of the federal government to visit and witness the ART system firsthand.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that Sarawak’s sustainability efforts and policies have gained global recognition.
This recognition includes the praise from Dame Christiana Figueres, the former United Nations (UN) climate chief who played an instrumental role in the creation of the Paris Agreement, during today’s Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF) 3.0.
“The implementation of ART is a significant part of our commitment to sustainable development.
“At SAREF today, even Figueres acknowledged Sarawak’s policies on sustainability because we don’t just talk the talk, we walk the talk. Unlike many countries that only talk without execution and implementation,” he told a press conference after launching the engineering run and Stage 2 of the proof-of-concept (POC) exercise for the hydrogen-powered ART prototype vehicle at SEDC Tower today.
He also took a test ride of the ART vehicle together with other distinguished guests along the engineering run route at the Isthmus.
Abang Johari further mentioned that the federal government has expressed its interest in visiting Kuching to see the ART system in action.
“The federal minister wants to come, and we welcome them,” he added.
Addressing critics of the ART system, Abang Johari reiterated that the ART represents a hybrid of a bus and tram but the focus is on its ability to seamlessly integrate into the public transportation network, accommodating a high volume of passengers while providing comfortable and punctual mode of transport for the public.
“The ride today is comfortable and despite so many passengers on board, the ART vehicle is running smoothly.
“Notably, the ART prototype vehicle, powered by hydrogen, is currently undergoing testing on the actual roads of Kuching. Sarawak stands as a regional pioneer in utilising hydrogen to power the ART system,” he added.
Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Abu Bakar Marzuki, and Sarawak Metro and Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Husain were among those present. — DayakDaily
