Pioneering ART operation Rembus-Northbank is set to begin in late 2026

KUCHING, 12 Nov: The pioneering Autonomous Transit Flow (ART) operation for the Rembus-Northbank route is targeted to start at the end of 2026, thus paving the way for the implementation of commercial services in phases.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Seri Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initial route was part of Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS), which is expected to strengthen ties between Samarahan and Kuching.

"The implementation of pioneering ART operations for the initial route from Rembus to Northbank is targeted starting at the end of 2026, before commercial services are implemented in phases", he said in the text of a speech on the occasion of the 10th Anniversary Dinner Meeting of Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) here, last night.

The text of his speech was read by the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Brother Johari said the location of Depoh ART in Rembus has made Samarahan part of a major public transport network being developed by the state government.

According to him, with a population approaching 200,000 people, the need for transportation, infrastructure and public facilities in Samarahan will continue to increase.

He said the presence of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and Institute of Guru Education Tun Abdul Razak Campus also stimulated demand for transport, housing, business and support services.

Samarahan's role as a health service centre will also be strengthened through the Sarawak Heart Centre, Sarawak Cancer Centre development, Sarawak Infectious Diseases Centre and UNIMAS Teaching Hospital.

In addressing the growth, Brother Johari wants infrastructure needs in four MPKS zones, namely Muara Tuang, Stakan, Asajaya and Sadong, to be addressed according to their respective needs.

He said the growth of residential areas, educational institutions and economic activities in Muara Tuang require better infrastructure as well as municipal services.

In Stakan, settlement planning should take into account road networks, outlet systems and public facilities, while access to connectivity and basic facilities are among the priorities in Sadong.

He also wanted MPKS to strengthen cooperation with the Samarahan Region Integrated Development Agency (IRSDA) and related agencies so that road projects, drainage systems and public facilities can be implemented according to the priorities of the population.

"When operational later, the system is expected to improve connectivity between Samarahan and Kuching, provide better transportation options as well as reduce dependence on private vehicles", he said.