The Sarawak state government, led by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, is resolute in its decision to incorporate hydrogen fuel cell buses as part of the Kuching autonomous rapid transit (ART) trackless tram public transport system. Despite reservations regarding the high initial cost, Lee believes that the long-term benefits of hydrogen buses, driven by recent advancements in hydrogen production and fuel cell technology, will outweigh the initial investment. He asserts that the move towards hydrogen aligns with the state's green economy roadmap, positioning Sarawak favorably in the global push for sustainability. In response to critics, including Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen advocating for electric buses over hydrogen due to cost concerns, Lee dismisses outdated data from 2001 and emphasizes the progress made in hydrogen technology. The KUTS project, with the ART as its backbone, aims to revolutionize public transport in Kuching with a 70 km trackless tram system across three rail lines and 31 stations, set to commence revenue services progressively from late 2025. The debate over the choice of hydrogen versus electric buses reflects a broader discussion on balancing economic considerations with environmental sustainability in state development plans.