KUCHING: Minister for Transport, Sarawak, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, made a working visit to several key construction sites in Kuching and Kota Samarahan recently.
Lee noted that significant progress has been achieved since his last inspection, with contractors having caught up with the project timeline.
“With the improved pace of work, I urged all parties to maintain and further strengthen their momentum to ensure the KUTS project meets its target for the commencement of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) Blue Line (Package 1) operations by the fourth quarter of next year,” he said through a press statement today.
He reminded all contractors must be mindful of challenges such as underground utilities and ensure strict compliance with safety procedures and SOPs.
“They must also take every precaution to minimise traffic congestion, ensure public safety and reduce inconvenience for the public throughout the construction period,” he said.
The visit covered the Rembus Depot in Kota Samarahan, the ART Blue Line alignment in Kota Samarahan, and the Northbank ART Station, where he was briefed on the overall progress, challenges, and upcoming works.
At the Rembus Depot, Lee was welcomed by Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Ts.Mazli Mustaffa, along with representatives from the main contractor – a joint venture comprising Azam Sehasrat Sdn Bhd, IJM Construction Sdn Bhd, and Unique Deco Sdn Bhd.
The depot works include mechanical and infrastructure workshops, an administration and operations control center, and a stabling yard.
He also inspected a section of the Blue Line ART Lane and later visited the Northbank Station, where the contractor – the joint venture of Ibraco Construction Sdn Bhd, China Railway Engineering Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd, and Nanyang Tunnel Engineering Sdn Bhd briefed him on the progress and site challenges.
Lee advised all contractors to continue strengthening their workforce, adhere to timelines, and deliver quality workmanship while ensuring minimal inconvenience to road users.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Metro CEO Ts. Mazli Mustaffa shared that both the ART vehicles and feeder buses for the KUTS project are scheduled to arrive in stages in 2026.
“We are getting ready to receive the ART vehicles as well as the feeder buses in stages next year, and to commence both services by the end of 2026,” Mazli said, while urging all contractors to stay committed to the project timeline so that ART operations can begin smoothly.
Among those accompanying Lee were Deputy Minister for Transport I, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, officers from the Ministry of Transport Sarawak, and senior management members from Sarawak Metro.
