Kuching's ART project one of China's railway corporation overseas reference projects, says Kim Shin

KUCHING, Oct 16 2026 –The state Kuching Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project has become one of China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation's (CRRC) key overseas reference projects, providing valuable experience and technical references for the company's efforts to promote ART technology in international markets.

Caption: Minister Lee Kim Shin says the delegation also highlighted the application and development of ART technology in several Chinese cities, including Zhuzhou, Yibin, Changsha, Xi'an, Harbin and Shanghai.

This was highlighted by CRRC delegation, led by Xiao Bingquan, General Manager of Hunan CRRC Zhixing Technology Co Ltd, when briefing Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin on the latest progress of the Kuching ART project and the growing international interest in ART technology.

The delegation described the Kuching ART project as an important overseas showcase, noting that the technical experience, specifications and requirements developed during its implementation have provided valuable references for similar projects being pursued in other countries and regions.

One such example is Hong Kong's proposed Kai Tak Smart and Green Mass Transit System. According to the delegation, the technical specifications developed for the Kuching ART project have served as a reference for CRRC's proposed ART solution for the Kai Tak project.

The delegation also highlighted the application and development of ART technology in several Chinese cities, including Zhuzhou, Yibin, Changsha, Xi'an, Harbin and Shanghai.

Internationally, ART technology has also been deployed in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where the vehicles have been specially adapted to operate under extreme temperatures. CRRC representatives informed the Minister that additional vehicles had been ordered for the Abu Dhabi project.

The delegation also briefed Lee on CRRC's efforts to expand into other international markets, including planned ART vehicle trials in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ljubljana, Slovenia, as well as ongoing market development initiatives in Brazil and Argentina.

The minister welcomed these developments, noting that it was encouraging to see the Kuching ART project not only contributing to the modernisation of Sarawak's public transport system but also providing valuable technical experience and references for similar projects beyond Sarawak.

Meanwhile, Chan Chee Kian, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Mobilus Sdn Bhd, briefed the minister on the latest production, testing and delivery progress of the Kuching ART vehicles.

He said the ART vehicles had completed the required type tests at a specialised automotive testing facility in Chongqing, China, covering braking performance and other technical and safety requirements.

All required tests had been successfully completed, with the relevant test reports received this week. The testing programme was witnessed by representatives from Sarawak Metro and the project partners.

Chan said production had regained momentum, with the third and fourth ART vehicles expected to undergo pre-delivery inspections in December.

The project team is targeting the completion of six ART vehicles in total by the end of 2026, including the two units already delivered to Sarawak. Efforts are also underway to arrange for the shipment of the remaining four vehicles before year-end.

Lee emphasised that the manufacturer must maintain production momentum while ensuring strict compliance with all required technical, quality and safety standards before the vehicles are delivered.

The meeting also discussed preparations for the local completely knocked down (CKD) assembly programme in Kuching.

Lee expressed hope that the development of local assembly capabilities would create opportunities for technology transfer, skills development and greater participation by Sarawak's industries, while potentially positioning Kuching as a regional hub for ART vehicle assembly.

He reiterated that Sarawak's investment in ART is aimed at providing an efficient and sustainable public transport alternative, easing traffic congestion and reducing carbon emissions.

Also present were Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport Wong Hee Sieng, Project Director of EPR Mobilus Global Rail JV Sdn Bhd (EMGJV)Mohd Asmadi bin Abdul Manaf and Head of the Land Transport and Logistics Division, Ministry of Transport Chong Chi Fam.

Tell parents, teachers, Uggah reminds SLMs, advisors of school administrators that state govenment has channelled financial assistance to mission schools

KUCHING, Oct 16 2026: Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah has urged the State Legislative Members (SLMs), mission authorities and school administration to inform parents that the state government, through United for Other Religions (Unifor) has channelled financial assistance to mission schools in the state.

Caption: Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah expresses hope that the assistance from the Sarawak government must not only reach the schools, but information regarding it must also be conveyed to teachers and parents. 

He said based on feedback received, many teachers and parents remain unaware that the Sarawak government has been providing assistance to mission schools through Unifor for the past five years. 

"This matter requires attention. Although aid has been provided consistently, information regarding this initiative and the Sarawak government’s commitment has not yet fully reached the school community—specifically the teachers and parents," he said when handing cheques today.

He expressed hope that the assistance from the Sarawak government must not only reach the schools, but information regarding it must also be conveyed to teachers and parents. 

?They need to be aware that the Sarawak government remains steadfastly committed to supporting the development of mission schools, for the sake of the education of the children," Uggah, who is also the minister-in-charge of Unifor, said.

The deputy premier said the state government has increased the allocation by RM10 million this year, bringing the total to RM30 million.

"Of this amount, RM20 million is allocated for the physical development of the schools, while another RM10 million is designated for the implementation of STEM projects, aimed at strengthening school facilities and enhancing the quality of teaching and learning.

"For Phase 1 of the 2026 Sarawak Mission School Financial Assistance, 129 cheques—totalling RM20 million—have been approved for distribution to mission schools in Sarawak through six Mission Authorities," he said.

He urged the advisors to the mission authorities ensure that all 129 cheques received under this financial assistance are distributed to the respective schools within three months from the date of the cheque, or no later than 22 December 2026, to prevent any delays in project implementation.