Grab Sampan? Sarawak Govt Plans to Test Electric Boats for App-Based River Crossings

The Sarawak government is looking at a proposal from Grab to roll out a Grab Sampan pilot project along Sungai Sarawak.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the plan is to test electric-powered sampans that you can book through an app and pay for without cash, basically bringing tech to a service that’s been around for generations.

“In Kuching, we’re trying out the Grab Electric Sampan Proof of Concept, a fresh take on our iconic river rides,” he said.

Abang Johari stressed how rivers are central to Sarawak’s identity, with 40 major river basins covering over 123,000 sq km. He also touched on big projects like the RM10 billion Sarawak Water Supply Grid Programme, which aims to give everyone treated water by 2030, plus riverfront upgrades in towns like Sibu, Kapit, Simanggang, Marudi and Limbang.

Earlier, Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said innovation is crucial to keep river transport relevant. The pilot will run for six months with eight pick-up and drop-off points along Kuching Waterfront.

“This project shows how tech can breathe new life into traditional river transport, making it sustainable and inclusive for everyone,” Lee said.

Stay tuned for more updates.

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