12 focus
@ green | September-October , 2020
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Powering the urban transport system
Task to lead the Kuching Urban Transportation System which would utilise hydrogen fuel cell technology in the region has been awarded to Sarawak Metro
Mazli Mustaffa
By RITA JONG
Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd , a subsidiary of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation ( SEDC ), has been given the responsibility to transform the public transport system in the State , starting with Kuching .
Sarawak Metro ’ s chief executive officer ( CEO ) Mazli Mustaffa said hydrogen technology would advertently change the landscape of urban transportation while addressing climate change , especially with the implementation of the Kuching Urban Transportation System ( KUTS ) project , which will rely heavily on hydrogen-powered vehicles .
“ Although we are a new company , we have some of the most experienced minds in the Malaysian rail and public transport industry and each day we are continuously building on our strengths ,” said Mazli .
“ The opportunity to adopt one of the cleanest technologies to power our vehicles has been one of the most exciting aspects of our endeavour as it means we are contributing significantly towards decarbonisation in our public transport system .”
Sarawak also hoped to see the Automated Rapid Transit ( ART ) public transport system on the streets by 2025 .
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg had said there was a need to have the ART transport system , especially in Kuching , due to increasing traffic on major roads .
“ The ART should be ready by 2025 . From there , we move towards 2030 because when the Kuching-Samarahan line is completed , our public transport will have been improved ,” said Abang Johari . “ Our target is to be a developed State in 2030 .” For Phase 1 of the KUTS project , Sarawak Metro will build the Samarahan Line concurrently with the Serian Line .