(Kuching, 2nd) Sarawak’s Minister for Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, stated that the station naming rights program will play a key role in ensuring the financial sustainability of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) by creating alternative sources of revenue beyond passenger fares.
He said that this initiative launched by Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd will help strengthen KUTS’ long-term sustainability and support the project’s progressive move towards operational readiness.
“It is equally important to ensure the system remains financially sustainable in the years ahead. Therefore, I am particularly pleased to see Sarawak Metro proactively rolling out the station naming rights program.”
Lee made these remarks in his speech at the KUTS SM07 Station Naming Rights Agreement Signing Ceremony held yesterday at Northbank Station (SM07) in Kuching.
He stated that this program reflects Sarawak Metro's commitment to adopting international best practices while creating innovative sources of revenue to support the operation of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS).
“As a state-owned enterprise, Sarawak Metro not only focuses on infrastructure development but also strives to develop innovative revenue streams to enhance the long-term sustainability of the Kuching Urban Transportation System.”
He further added that modern public transportation systems cannot rely solely on passenger fares. Strategic commercial collaborations—such as Transit Oriented Development (TOD), station naming rights, advertising, and retail opportunities—help achieve a diversification of revenue streams.
Lee also congratulated Ibraco Berhad on becoming the first strategic partner of this program, noting that this collaboration reflects the private sector’s confidence in the long-term development potential of Sarawak’s public transportation system.
“I hope today’s signing will encourage more enterprises, institutions, and local businesses to work together with Sarawak Metro, jointly building an innovative, sustainable transportation ecosystem that benefits the people of Sarawak.”
Regarding progress on the Kuching Urban Rail Transit System (KUTS), Lee said the project has reached several key milestones and is gradually transitioning from the construction phase to system integration and operational readiness.
He pointed out that the construction of the line, stations, depot facilities, and supporting systems is advancing steadily, while the building of the phase one hydrogen production plant and related facilities at the Rembus depot is progressing smoothly.
“This facility is an important component of the KUTS ecosystem, not only supporting the operation of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system but also exemplifying Sarawak’s commitment to sustainable green transportation.”
He further added that once the hydrogen plant is operational, it will be able to produce up to one ton of green hydrogen per day to support pilot operations and the launch of ART services.
Lee specifically mentioned that the first two ART vehicles recently arrived in Kuching and have been assembled, which he considers an important step towards KUTS commencing operations.
“This marks an important step for KUTS (Sarawak Urban Transportation System) towards operational readiness, enabling the vehicles to be integrated with supporting infrastructure, systems, and operational requirements.”
He also stated that the Sarawak Ministry of Transport will continue to support Sarawak Metro in implementing various initiatives to strengthen KUTS and ensure it can serve the community on an ongoing basis, benefiting future generations.
At the signing ceremony, Ibraco Berhad became the first corporate partner in Sarawak Metro’s station naming rights program, and the SM07 station was officially named ‘Northbank IBRACO ART Station’.
“It is equally important to ensure the system remains financially sustainable in the years ahead. Therefore, I am particularly pleased to see Sarawak Metro proactively rolling out the station naming rights program.”
Lee made these remarks in his speech at the KUTS SM07 Station Naming Rights Agreement Signing Ceremony held yesterday at Northbank Station (SM07) in Kuching.
He stated that this program reflects Sarawak Metro's commitment to adopting international best practices while creating innovative sources of revenue to support the operation of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS).
“As a state-owned enterprise, Sarawak Metro not only focuses on infrastructure development but also strives to develop innovative revenue streams to enhance the long-term sustainability of the Kuching Urban Transportation System.”
He further added that modern public transportation systems cannot rely solely on passenger fares. Strategic commercial collaborations—such as Transit Oriented Development (TOD), station naming rights, advertising, and retail opportunities—help achieve a diversification of revenue streams.
Lee also congratulated Ibraco Berhad on becoming the first strategic partner of this program, noting that this collaboration reflects the private sector’s confidence in the long-term development potential of Sarawak’s public transportation system.
“I hope today’s signing will encourage more enterprises, institutions, and local businesses to work together with Sarawak Metro, jointly building an innovative, sustainable transportation ecosystem that benefits the people of Sarawak.”
Regarding progress on the Kuching Urban Rail Transit System (KUTS), Lee said the project has reached several key milestones and is gradually transitioning from the construction phase to system integration and operational readiness.
He pointed out that the construction of the line, stations, depot facilities, and supporting systems is advancing steadily, while the building of the phase one hydrogen production plant and related facilities at the Rembus depot is progressing smoothly.
“This facility is an important component of the KUTS ecosystem, not only supporting the operation of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system but also exemplifying Sarawak’s commitment to sustainable green transportation.”
He further added that once the hydrogen plant is operational, it will be able to produce up to one ton of green hydrogen per day to support pilot operations and the launch of ART services.
Lee specifically mentioned that the first two ART vehicles recently arrived in Kuching and have been assembled, which he considers an important step towards KUTS commencing operations.
“This marks an important step for KUTS (Sarawak Urban Transportation System) towards operational readiness, enabling the vehicles to be integrated with supporting infrastructure, systems, and operational requirements.”
He also stated that the Sarawak Ministry of Transport will continue to support Sarawak Metro in implementing various initiatives to strengthen KUTS and ensure it can serve the community on an ongoing basis, benefiting future generations.
At the signing ceremony, Ibraco Berhad became the first corporate partner in Sarawak Metro’s station naming rights program, and the SM07 station was officially named ‘Northbank IBRACO ART Station’.