ART Smart Tram Prototype Will Begin Test Run In Kuching Next Month
According to state Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, the engineering run for the world's first prototype hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) smart tram will begin at the Isthmus here on September 4 and will last until October 31, Malay Mail reported.
Lee stated in a statement that the test run will take place along the Jalan Keruing loop, passing Menara LCDA, Menara SEDC, Menara Sarawak Energy, and Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
“The engineering run is to identify any potential issues before the start of the Proof of Concept (POC) exercise in Samarahan,” he said.
Lee said the smart tram, developed by China's CRRC Zhuzhou Institute Co Ltd, had been fully assembled over the past two weeks after arriving at Senari Terminal from Shanghai Port on August 5.
“The hydrogen vehicle will be moved to Kuching Port Authority’s Pending Terminal where it will be stabled (parked) until the end of the engineering run period in October.
“Refuelling of the prototype ART hydrogen vehicle will be done at Pending Terminal because Mobile Hydrogen Refuelling Station will be based there,” he said.
During a special briefing last week, he added, the ministry met with industry players and government agencies with offices on the Isthmus, as well as the relevant enforcement authorities.
“To prepare for the engineering run, works to close certain sections of the road in the area will begin tomorrow (August 23).
“The road closures will be advertised on Sarawak Metro’s social media platforms and in local newspapers from August 22. This initiative aims to notify residents and employees who work in the vicinity, enabling them to adjust their daily travel routines during the two-month period,” he added.
"From August 22, the road closures will be advertised on Sarawak Metro's social media platforms and in local newspapers." "The goal of this initiative is to notify residents and employees who work nearby so that they can adjust their daily travel routines during the two-month period," he said.
Lee also stated that the smart tram would travel to Kota Samarahan in November for a month-long proof-of-concept test.
This second test would begin on a 3km permanent dedicated lane constructed between two roundabouts on a section of the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway.
“The dedicated lane is near the Sarawak Heart Centre to the roundabout near SAINS. This POC exercise is conducted to gather data to evaluate the feasibility of the prototype for the final design of the ART to accommodate a maximum capacity of passengers,” he said.
However, Lee stated that the passenger service will be closed to the public during both test runs, and that only selected stakeholders from the relevant public and private sectors will be able to use it.
“The main reason we are not opening this up to the public, in terms of riding on the ART, is due to the fact that this is still a prototype vehicle and the main aim is to test its performance here in Sarawak.”
Gallery






Written By
Anis
Previously in banking and e commerce before she realized nothing makes her happier than a revving engine and gleaming tyres........
JPJ Running Numbers
KUALA LUMPUR
VPS6486
SELANGOR
BSH8477
JOHOR
JYG8694
PULAU PINANG
PRU1679
PERAK
APB2857
PAHANG
CFD5065
KEDAH
KGC3214
NEGERI SEMBILAN
NEH1482
KOTA KINABALU
SJM6467
KUCHING
QAB1830M
Last updated 21 Sep, 2025
Fuel Price
Petrol
RON 95
RM 2.05
RON 97
RM 3.21
+0.03
RON 100
RM 5.00
VPR
RM 6.23
Diesel
EURO 5 B10
RM 2.93
+0.03
EURO 5 B7
RM 3.13
+0.03
Last updated 18 Sep, 2025
Related News
Govt Calls For Bids For Elevated ART In JB
Public-Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) will soon be initiating the process of soliciting proposals for ART in JB.
14-02-2025
Is Sarawak’s Hydrogen-Powered ART Project a Risky Gamble?
Sarawak’s decision to pursue hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) quizzed.
12-09-2024
Latest News
JPJ: 2.3 Million Malaysians Have Expired Driving Licences
JPJ claims there are over 2.3 million Malaysians with driving licences that are expired beyond three-year renewal window.
21-09-2025
Petrol Cards And Civil Servant Perks On Offer By Jetour Malaysia This Month
Up to RM1 million worth of free petrol cards plus special perks for civil servants on offer from Jetour Malaysia this month.
20-09-2025
TQ Wuling Bingo EV CKD Production Set to Begin in Dec 2025
The new SGMW-Tan Chong joint venture EV plant will start its local assembly efforts this Dec with the TQ Wuling Bingo.
19-09-2025
MyKad Checks Urged Ahead of Fuel Price Drop
Home minister urges Malaysians to fix faulty MyKad chips early to enjoy the upcoming targeted fuel subsidy.
19-09-2025
GAC Emkoo Awarded 5-star ASEAN NCAP Rating
Upcoming GAC Emkoo C-SUV earns coveted 5-star rating form ASEAN NCAP crash-testing regime.
19-09-2025
KLCC Roads Closed Saturday For Sarong Music Run
Expect road closures and traffic delays around KLCC tomorrow for the Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025.
19-09-2025
Sand, Log Trucks Dominate Kelantan Roads - JPJ
Sand and log trucks make up most heavy vehicle traffic in Kelantan, with fewer overloaded cases.
19-09-2025
Customs Seizes 32 Imported Cars Worth RM8.45 Million
Ops Purple uncovered vehicles stored beyond the legal limit, with unpaid duties and taxes totalling RM5.38 million.
19-09-2025
Show More
trending_flat