KUCHING, Aug 18: Nine existing river taxis (perahu tambang) in Kuching have been upgraded with electric vehicle (EV) systems under the E-Penambang Project, along with the installation of Sarawak’s first floating solar charging station at Kampung Sungai Bintangor Pontoon Jetty here, marking a breakthrough in the State’s drive towards sustainable river transport.

Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) said in a press release that the pilot project ensures the upgraded tambang boats are safer, more efficient, eco-friendly and low-carbon, while preserving their traditional design and heritage value.

 

A fleet of brightly lit electric river taxis (e-penambang) glides along the Sarawak River during the pre-launch of the E-Penambang Project at Kampung Sungai Bintangor Pontoon Jetty, Kuching, on Aug 17, 2025. Photo: DBKU/Facebook

Led by DBKU in collaboration with Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy), the Centre of Technical Excellence Sarawak (Centexs), and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), the project began in April this year and is scheduled for full completion by June 2026.

“For context, the E-Penambang concept was first introduced in May 2023 with the full development of a prototype by Sarawak Energy, followed by the implementation of the first electric penambang Proof of Concept (POC) at the Kuching Waterfront in October 2023,” the press release stated.

Dr Abdul Rahman (front right) together with Hilmy (front left) and officials onboard an electric river taxi during the E-Penambang Project pre-launch at Kampung Sungai Bintangor Pontoon Jetty, Kuching, on Aug 17, 2025. Photo: DBKU/Facebook

Each upgraded vessel is fitted with a 3kW electric propulsion system powered by a 3kWh lithium battery, offering silent operation, zero carbon emissions, and up to 80 per cent savings in operational costs compared to petrol engines.

The floating solar charging station, a major achievement of the project, is equipped with a 19.84kWp bifacial photovoltaic system under the Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme and features 10 charging points. It also holds potential for integration with renewable energy innovations such as battery storage and hydrogen technology.

Dr Abdul Rahman officiates the E-Penambang Project pre-launch by plugging in the State’s first floating solar charging station at Kampung Sungai Bintangor Pontoon Jetty, Kuching, on Aug 17, 2025. Photo: DBKU/Facebook

Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU, and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi officiated the pre-launch at Kampung Sungai Bintangor Pontoon Jetty last night (Aug 17).

Among those present were DBKU Mayor Dato Hilmy Othman, DBKU director Ramzi Abdillah, Sarawak Energy senior vice president of Strategy and Corporate Development Dr Chen, along with senior Sarawak Energy officers and DBKU deputy directors.