Sarawak advances the first phase of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) plan, unveiling the Automated Rapid Transit (ART) System.
With an estimated budget of around RM6 billion, the project underscores Sarawak’s dedication to enhancing its infrastructure.
RHB Investment Bank, analyst Adam Mohamed Rahim emphasised the potential job opportunities stemming from the ART Kuching project, especially in the yet-to-be-tendered Package 2 Blue Line and Package Green Line.
Companies like Kimlun Corp Bhd and KKB Engineering Bhd are identified as potential beneficiaries.
The first phase, entirely funded by the Sarawak government, spans approximately 70 kilometers, featuring three tracks and 31 stations with dedicated tracks. The project comprises three lines: Blue, Red, and Green.
Package 1 Blue Line, valued at RM569 million, has already been awarded to a joint venture (JV) involving Ibraco Construction Bhd, China Railway Engineering Corp (M) Sdn Bhd, and Nanyang Tunnel Engineering.
Meanwhile, Package Red Line, worth RM943.3 million, was secured by a JV comprising Sri Datai Construction (Sarawak), JV Builders, and CHEC Construction.
The system package for the ART Kuching project, totaling RM1.9 billion, was awarded to contractors in July 2022 and November 2022.
Notably, early construction works for the Rembus Depot, a crucial component of the project, were successfully carried out by Hock Seng Lee.
The Rembus Depot, spread across 80 acres, will house essential facilities such as a hydrogen production plant, railway parking, and an operations control center.
The full contract, valued at RM260 million, was awarded in December 2023 to a JV involving IJM Construction Bhd, Azam Sehasrat, and Unique Deco.
Adam Mohamed Rahim speculates on the potential lengths of Package 1 Blue Line (up to 20 kilometers) and Package 2 (yet to be tendered, estimated at seven kilometers).
Additionally, Package Green Line, the longest track at 30 kilometers, remains unawarded, with its value expected to surpass previous contracts.
Expressing interest in the ART Kuching project, Kimlun and KKB Engineering are positioned to play significant roles.
Kimlun eyes participation, while KKB Engineering may engage in fabrication-related work for the construction of the hydrogen production plant at the Rembus Depot.
