KUCHING – Sarawak is positioning itself as a national leader in sustainable and modern transport, with the Ministry of Transport (MOTS) spearheading a series of ambitious projects designed to reshape mobility across the state.
Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin highlighted that Sarawak’s initiatives include hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), a growing fleet of hydrogen buses, artificial intelligence-driven traffic systems, digitalisation of bus operations, and green energy river transport.
The state is also preparing for the launch of its own airline, AirBorneo, which will take over rural air services from MASwings by early 2026.
Sarawak’s hydrogen journey began in 2019 with the establishment of Southeast Asia’s first integrated hydrogen production plant. Since then, the state capital Kuching has become the first city in the region to deploy hydrogen-powered buses and ART vehicles.
These efforts form part of the Kuching Urban Transport System (KUTS), which aims to reduce the city’s carbon footprint by 15 per cent by 2030.
Speaking at the MOTS 2025 Appreciation and Service Commemoration Ceremony, Lee acknowledged the challenges of pioneering new technologies. “Many of the things we do are new and there are no references to follow. It requires continuous reading, research and a willingness to delve into modern technology,” he said.
He stressed that the ministry’s success depends on officers embracing innovation and mastering areas such as automation, AI, data intelligence and smart mobility systems. “If you are not ready to learn, you will not be able to perform your duties well in this ministry,” he added.
Lee also underlined the importance of nurturing local expertise in aviation, maritime, land transport and data management. He encouraged younger officers to pursue further education and technical training to build a generation of professionals capable of managing Sarawak’s future transport ecosystem.
Sarawak’s green transport ambitions are not limited to land mobility. The upcoming AirBorneo airline will begin operations in January 2026, initially focusing on rural air services before expanding to regional jet routes later that year.
This development is expected to strengthen connectivity across Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan while supporting the state’s broader economic agenda.
The ceremony also recognised recipients of the Outstanding Service Award (APC) and honoured retiring MOTS Deputy Permanent Secretary Selamat Jati Yanjah for his contributions.
The event was attended by Deputy Ministers Datuk Dr Jerip Susil and Dato Henry Harry Jinep, alongside state assemblymen Joseph Chieng Jin Ek and Safiee Ahmad, and MOTS Permanent Secretary Datu Wong Hee Sieng.
Sarawak’s transport transformation reflects its wider ambition to become a hub for green innovation, combining hydrogen energy, smart systems and aviation development to secure a sustainable future.
