The 14 new buses for Miri City's smart bus service are set to be shipped on September 3 and 4 following a final inspection yesterday. Sarawak’s Minister of Transport, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, announced that these new buses will replace the existing fleet of 14, which are over 25 years old.

Lee stated that the new smart buses will offer free service, a promise made by the Sarawak Premier in February this year. He shared these details after leading a delegation to Pioneer Coach Builder in Klang, Selangor, for the final inspection of the buses.

He expressed satisfaction with the buses' overall design and finishing, noting that a shower test and demonstration of mechanical devices were conducted. However, the installation of apps, WiFi, and traffic signal devices will be completed upon the buses' arrival in Miri, though CCTVs have already been installed. The new buses are expected to be operational by October, barring any unforeseen issues.

Additionally, during the visit, Lee inspected new buses for Kapit Express Bus Company, which has purchased four new buses from Pioneer Coach Builder for its express routes. These buses are also ready to be shipped.