Within twelve months after commencing engineering design, on 26 November 2007, the SUTRA was unveiled by the then Malaysian deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who described the launch as "a significant milestone".

[3] The total investment expenditure spent by Scomi Rail for the SUTRA monorail was about RM35mil including for research, development and factory expansion.

[3] The SUTRA complies with 50 international standards comprising safety, quality assurance, vehicle certification, reliability, availability and maintainability.

The monocoque (load-bearing single-shell frame) body structure of the SUTRA is constructed with aluminium extrusion materials.

The coupling system is also capable of towing another SUTRA during emergency connections and is also designed to absorb impact energy in case of accidents.

It was designed with a minimalist concept with the aim of increased interior space and maximised flow of passengers and minimised obstruction in and around doorways.

Passenger information systems include LED texts and television screens in addition to audio announcements.