KUCHING: The first Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) units are expected in the second half of the year, marking a milestone as the Sarawak Metro project enters final testing and commissioning.
Sarawak Metro chief executive officer, Mazli Mustaffa, said the vehicles had recently completed final-stage testing in China, following more than two years of development and trial processes.
“We have completed the final testing to ensure everything meets our technical and safety requirements before bringing the ART units back to Kuching,” he said to reporters during the Gemilang Raya celebration at the Waterfront Hotel today (April 16).
He said two initial ART units, described as “gold units”, are expected to be delivered soon, after which they will undergo further testing and validation locally at the Rembus Depot.
The testing regime in Kuching, he added, will be more stringent to ensure operational safety before deployment.
“When the units arrive, we will subject them to another round of testing and inspections to ensure they are fully safe for public use,” he said.
Mazli said the project is currently transitioning from construction into the testing and commissioning phase, with pilot operations targeted by the end of this year.
“We are moving towards pilot operations by year-end, followed by full operations next year,” he said.
He added that the Red Line and Blue Line packages remain on track despite ongoing global challenges.
However, he acknowledged that external factors, including geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global shipping routes, have impacted logistics and supply chains.
“Some of our equipment comes from Europe, and global shipping disruptions have affected delivery timelines, but these are challenges we are managing,” he said.
Mazli said Sarawak Metro remains confident of meeting its operational targets, with additional ART units expected to be delivered progressively.
A total of 38 ART vehicles are planned, comprising 10 complete built-up (CBU) units and 28 complete knock-down (CKD) units, which will be assembled locally in Kuching.
“The remaining units will be assembled at our facility in Kuching, which will support long-term operations and maintenance,” he said.
He said the project continues to progress steadily and expressed confidence that the system will be ready for phased implementation as scheduled.
