Malaysia Targets Regional Rail Sector Leadership by 2030

Transport Minister Anthony Loke detailed recently that his ministry will make a working visit to Bangkok, Thailand, in Mar or Apr to strengthen Malaysia-Thailand rail cooperation. The visit follows an invitation from Thailand’s Transport Minister and aims to advance the Pan-Asian railway network.

Loke emphasised Thailand’s support as critical for the project, allowing Malaysian trains to access northern routes and improving infrastructure on both sides.

Currently, Malaysia’s Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) collaborates with the State Railway of Thailand for the ASEAN Express cargo service connecting Malaysia and China. However, Loke noted the low frequency of this service and expressed hopes for improvement. The Ministry of Transport aims to realise the Malaysia-China railway network plan in the near future.

Speaking at the ETS Class 93 Train handover ceremony by M Rail Technics Sdn Bhd (RAILTEC) to the Ministry of Transport, Loke highlighted RAILTEC’s key role in Malaysia’s rail Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector.

RAILTEC is a joint venture between Destini Berhad and KTMB.

Loke further stated that the MRO sector is vital not only for infrastructure development but also for driving economic and social growth. This aligns with Malaysia’s goal to become a regional rail transport hub.

By 2030, the government targets 80% rail track utilisation in Peninsular Malaysia. The phased plan (2024-2030) includes 299 passenger train operations, presenting significant opportunities to modernise the rail sector and create high-skilled jobs.

So far, RAILTEC has undertaken the repair of 35 KTM commuter train sets valued at RM531 Million and 10 ETS Class 93 train sets worth RM163 Million. 

Source: BERNAMA