KUCHING: Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd (Sarawak Metro), Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) and Siliconnet Technologies Sdn Bhd (SNT) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate in the development of financial technology systems for the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project.
Sarawak Metro said the signing ceremony signified the state’s commitment towards modernising the public transport sector.
“Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg witnessed the exchange of the signed MoU,” the firm said in a press statement.
The exchange of the MoU documents was held during the opening of the 27th World Congress on Innovation and Technology (WCIT) and the 6th International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) yesterday (Oct 4).
“Chief executive officer (CEO) technologist Mazli Mustaffa signed on behalf of Sarawak Metro while SAINS was represented by its CEO, Busiai Seman, and SNT by its general manager, Chin Zan Kiun.
“The MoU was for the development of the Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system and other related financial technology systems for the KUTS project.”
Sarawak Metro, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), has been entrusted by the Sarawak government to develop, maintain and operate the KUTS project. The project involves the introduction of zero-emission vehicles aimed at reducing traffic congestion into the Greater Kuching city.
The KUTS project will be developed in phases and Phase 1 will see the development of three lines namely, the Blue Line (from Rembus in Kota Samarahan to Kuching), the Red Line (from Kuching Sentral to Pending and the Green Line (from Pending to Damai Central).
All the three lines, totalling 70 km in distance, are scheduled to be in operation in stages starting from the end of 2025 right up to 2027.
The main vehicle fleet used in this project is the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) and supported by the feeder bus network. All the vehicles will be powered by hydrogen fuel cells, in support of the government’s effort to decarbonise public transport and advance the hydrogen economy.
SAINS, wholly owned by the Sarawak government, is a leading ICT systems integrator and solution provider in the State, while SNT is a wholly owned subsidiary of SAINS.
SNT is the operator of S Pay Global, a government fintech mobile app platform that provides a convenient and secured e-wallet functionality.
