First two units of ART vehicles ready for delivery to Kuching in second quarter of this year

KUCHING, April 15 2026: The first two units of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) vehicles have successfully completed the required tests in China and now ready for delivery to Kuching, marking another milestone for the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project.

Caption: Sarawak Metro chief executive officer Mazli Mustaffa (centre) was in Yibin recently to conduct final inspections of ART vehicles

These first two units of ART vehicles, referred to as the “golden trains”, are expected to arrive in Kuching within the second quarter of this year.

Chief Executive Officer Mazli Mustaffa, together with Sarawak Metro’s technical team were recently in the Chinese city of Yibin, to conduct final inspections of the ART vehicles at the manufacturer’s facility.

The aim of his visit was to verify overall readiness, workmanship quality, and compliance with project specifications prior to shipment.

"We are excited to welcome the ‘golden trains’ to Kuching soon and we all look forward to commencing pilot operations later this year, bringing us closer to delivering a modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly public transportation system for the people of Sarawak,” said Mazli.

“Sarawak Metro remains committed to delivering the KUTS project safely, efficiently, and sustainably, and we greatly appreciate the continued support and cooperation of the public as this project progresses,” he added.

Meanwhile, the vehicles will undergo gangway reassembly works at the Kuching ART Assembly Facility (KAAF), upon arrival in Sarawak.

Another set of tests will be conducted on the vehicles once they arrive at the ART depot in Rembus, Kota Samarahan, to ensure full operational readiness ahead of the pilot operations scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of this year.

Among those present during Mazli’s visit to the ART manufacturing facility in Yibin were Hunan CRRC Intelligent Transport Technology Co. Ltd General Manager, Peng Zhonghong and EPR Mobilus GR JV Sdn Bhd Director, Chan Chee Kian.

Sarawak targets to produce 500,000 skilled workers by 2030

MIRI, April 15 2026:  Sarawak has set a target to produce 500,000 skilled workers by 2030, equivalent to 30 per cent of the state’s local workforce, as a strategic move to strengthen human capital development and future economic readiness.

Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Roland Sagah Wee Inn (picture) said this effort is further supported by an annual intake of 10,600 students into state universities, thereby ensuring a steady supply of high-quality local talent aligned with industry needs.

He said the aspiration reflects the urgent need to develop a highly skilled workforce in response to an increasingly dynamic economic landscape.

“Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) leavers should explore various education pathways, including further studies at local higher education institutions as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes.

“TVET is no longer a second choice. Instead, it has become a primary pathway for building a successful career,” he said when speaking at the launch of the inaugural Career Messaging System (SPEAK) 2026: Talent Bridge 2030 session, here on Wednesday.

He also revealed that data from the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) shows a significant increase in job placement trends in Sarawak, with TVET graduate placements rising to over 12,800 in 2025 compared to 7,890 in 2023.

At the same time, the number of higher education graduates successfully placed also increased to more than 8,400, reflecting strong demand in main sectors such as manufacturing, social services and digital transformation.

“This data is not just numbers, but a roadmap that shows where the opportunities are and where we need to focus our efforts,” he explained.

Elaborating further, he said that the organisation of SPEAK 2026 is a strategic initiative to empower the role of Guidance and Counselling Teachers (GBK) in guiding students towards career pathways that align with current industry requirements.

“Our goal is to ensure that every school counsellor is equipped, connected, and empowered to guide students towards career pathways that are both meaningful and high-impact,” he added.

The two-day programme involves the participation of counsellors from 194 government secondary schools across Sarawak and will be held at five locations, starting in Miri, followed by Sibu, Sri Aman, Serian and concluding in Kuching

(UPDATED) Bangladesh plans to sign MoU with Sarawak on recruitment of Bangladeshi workers

KUCHING, April 15 2026:  Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury said he has discussed with Premier Abang Johari Openg on the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers for the state's development sector.

Caption: Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury (centre) speaking at a press conference after paying a courtesy call on Premier Abang Johari Openg

He said his government plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sarawak for the recruitment of manpower, especially in the state's development sector.

Manjurul Karim  said the proposal was discussed during a courtesy call with the premier this morning.

"At the same time, we also discussed the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers, namely skilled workers and general workers in various development projects in Sarawak, especially in the construction sector and other fields.

"We have proposed to sign an MoU with Sarawak for the purpose of recruiting Bangladeshi workers," he said in a press conference after the courtesy call at the Satria Pertiwi Complex.

Manjurul Karim added that the visit also discussed several areas to increase cooperation such as agriculture, agro-processing, and renewable energy.

His side also proposed an MoU for cooperation in agriculture and several other fields.

Also present at the courtesy call were Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Gerawat Gala,  were the Director of the Sarawak Regional Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Fenny Nuli and Deputy High Commissioner Mosammat Shahanara Monica.  

Meanwhile, Italy Ambassador to Malaysia Rafaelle Langelle said his country has expressed interest in exploring strategic collaboration opportunities with Sarawak, particularly in the energy and aerospace sectors.

He said several business delegations from Italy have been scheduled and could potentially be brought to Sarawak in the near future to explore available investment opportunities.

He said priority areas include the energy sector, particularly infrastructure and technology for the production of energy products including renewable energy.

“We are very interested in the ASEAN power grid and all projects related to this mega ASEAN initiative.

“We are also very active in bio fuels, which has become one of the Sarawak Government’s priorities. It is increasingly becoming a necessity given the current global energy market conditions,” he said.

He spoke at a press conference after paying a courtesy call on Premier Abang Johari Openg at the Satria Pertiwi Complex.

In addition, he highlighted the potential for collaboration in the aerospace sector, which has a strong history and tradition in Italy.

He noted that many are unaware that Italy was the third country in the world to launch a satellite into space around 70 to 80 years ago, after the United States and the USSR (now known as Russia).

“Since then, we have been active in this field for decades and have built a strong aerospace industry, which is also a sector of great interest to the Sarawak government.

“Therefore, we can also collaborate in this area,” he said.