Despite calls to reconsider the use of hydrogen fuel cell buses as first- and last-mile feeders for the Kuching Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) trackless tram public transport system due to their high costs, the Sarawak state government remains committed to the plan.

State Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin assured that hydrogen buses are expected to become more cost-effective over time, citing advancements in hydrogen production and fuel cell technology that are likely to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Lee further emphasised that hydrogen buses are in line with the state's green economy roadmap, describing them as a sustainable solution. "We must take this opportunity to build a competitive edge, positioning Sarawak as a participant in the global green economy," he stated, as reported by 'The Star'.

The minister's remarks were made in response to a call from Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen, who suggested replacing hydrogen buses with electric buses for the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project.

During a debate on the 2025 state budget in the state legislative assembly last week, Chong cited examples of 10 city authorities worldwide that had discontinued the use of hydrogen buses due to high operating costs.

In his rebuttal, Lee pointed out that Chong had referenced information from a website using data from as far back as 2001, as well as data from 2021 collected during the Covid-19 pandemic, a period when ridership was notably reduced. "This data is outdated and does not reflect the current advancements in hydrogen technology," Lee explained.

The ART system is set to be the cornerstone of KUTS, with a trackless tram network spanning 70 km, comprising three rail lines and 31 stations in its first phase. Revenue services are scheduled to begin in stages from the fourth quarter of 2025, starting with the Blue Line (Line 1), which will connect Rembus in Kota Samarahan to Hikmah Exchange in central Kuching.