KUCHING: Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd (Sarawak Metro) became the first organisation in Malaysia’s railway and public transportation industry to be awarded a private frequency spectrum by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
According to the press statement today (Apr 24), the dedicated private spectrum will support the wireless communications system underpinning Sarawak’s upcoming Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system, marking a significant milestone in the state’s push to modernise its public transport infrastructure.
The spectrum allocated is the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) – the next-generation global standard for railway wireless communication that promises enhanced digital rail services, increased safety, and high-capacity data transmission.
Sarawak Metro’s Chief Executive Officer, Mazli Mustaffa, emphasised the importance of adopting future-ready technologies, particularly with regard to the evolution of FRMCS.
“We are now closer towards implementing a highly reliable and efficient communications system, and with FRMCS available for our ART system, we will also be able to ensure the system remains aligned with MCMC’s regulatory direction as well as future spectrum planning and allocation,” said Mazli.
Sarawak Metro had earlier demonstrated the viability of the technology when it successfully completed live trials of its Radio Telecommunication System (RTS) – based on FRMCS architecture – in October 2024.
During a courtesy visit to MCMC’s headquarters in Cyberjaya, Mazli expressed appreciation to the commission for its support in advancing digitalisation efforts in Sarawak’s public transport sector.
He was received by MCMC’s Chief Regulatory Officer, Dr Ahmad Nasruddin ‘Atiqullah Fakrullah, along with other MCMC officials.
“Moving forward, we look forward to continuous engagements and strengthening collaborations with all industry stakeholders, especially with MCMC.
“This will be key to ensuring alignment, knowledge sharing, and the sustainable development of the ecosystem,” Mazli added.
The awarding of a dedicated FRMCS spectrum to a public transport operator is seen as a forward-looking regulatory move, positioning Sarawak at the forefront of smart mobility and digital infrastructure development in Malaysia.
