SIBU (July 22): The Autonomous Rapid Transit’s (ART) livery design reflects Sarawak’s aspirations and strength, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He revealed the final design during the Sarawak Day 2024 celebration at the Old Bintulu Airport site last night.

“Several designs were proposed by the Sarawak Ministry of Transport and Sarawak Metro, but only one was selected to reflect the aspirations and strength of Sarawak.

“Today, on this meaningful day for all Sarawakians, I am very proud to share the visuals of the final design of the ART. At this moment, the ART vehicles are being manufactured in China for us in Sarawak,” he said.

The design features a black roof and window frames with a striking band of yellow, which flows from the bottom section of the driver’s compartment to above the windows on both sides and back down to the other driver’s compartment.

There is also a wide band of white topped with a red stripe on the bottom section of the sides of the ART vehicle.

Abang Johari said the zero emissions hydrogen-powered ART will transform the public transportation system in Sarawak, starting with the Kuching Urban Transportation System Project.

He said the ART system will also be extended to Bintulu, connecting to Tanjung Kidurong and Samalaju.

“Currently, Sarawak Metro is diligently working on constructing special tracks, stop stations, and depots for the ART in Kuching and Kota Samarahan.

“God willing, like what I said just now, extended from Bintulu direct to Kidurong and Samalaju,” he said.

Separately, Abang Johari said recognition from the World Bank is not the the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government’s ultimate goal.

“A high GNI (gross national income) level does not mean that the income of every household in our state is high. This situation should not be politicised; what is more important is to take action to address these disparities at both the state and federal levels,” he said.

He stressed the focus of the GPS government is to increase the median household income in Sarawak, which stands at RM4,978 compared to the national level of RM6,338.

“I am very confident that with the steps being taken and those that will be implemented to transform Sarawak’s economy, this state will be able to raise its current level to surpass the national rate,” he said.

He pointed out Tanjung Kidurong will see more investments from giant companies such as Petronas, Shell, Samsung, Sumitomo, and others over the next six to 10 years.

“I am confident that Sarawak’s economy will continue to grow overall with the development of Tanjung Kidurong as Sarawak’s gas industry hub and Samalaju as an industrial area based on intensive energy use.

“Therefore, I also believe that Sarawak’s economy will continue to grow until 2030 and 2050, further strengthening Sarawak’s status as an excellent economy in this area,” he said.