KUCHING: Pilot operations of the Kuching Urban Transformation System (KUTS) are expected to commence by the end of this year, with Sarawak Metro planning to deploy a total of 55 hydrogen-powered feeder buses to complement the system.

Sarawak Metro Director of Corporate Communication, SEED Programme and Bumiputera Relations Alexius Barieng said the first hydrogen bus unit is expected to arrive in September.

“This will be following the arrival of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) unit, which is expected to arrive mid-year.

“By year-end, we will commence pilot operations for both systems,” he said when met by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) at Baitul Makmur here on Wednesday.

Earlier, Alexius led a Sarawak Metro delegation on a courtesy call on UKAS Director Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan and UKAS senior officers.

In addition to introducing zero-emission transport technology, Sarawak Metro is also placing strong emphasis on developing local human capital through its Socioeconomic Enhancement Development (SEED) Programme.

According to Alexius, the programme involves sending young apprentices to China for a four-week industrial attachment, providing them with first-hand exposure to manufacturing processes and modern transportation technologies.

“Participants will undergo a four-week training in China to gain direct knowledge of the manufacturing process.

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

Since its introduction in 2020, a total of 40 apprentices have joined the programme and have since been absorbed as full-time staff of Sarawak Metro, playing a key role in the implementation of the KUTS project.

Also present during the courtesy visit were Sarawak Metro Senior Manager of Promotion & PR Alwana Ishak, Senior Manager of Media, Corporate Communication, SEED Programme & Bumiputera Relations Letitia Samuel and Assistant Manager of Media Kuan Thai Far. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Sarah Nicole Hii
Photos by: George S. Embie