Kuala Lumpur: The Finance Ministry has allocated RM1.9 billion to Prasarana Malaysia Bhd for the purchase of 1,560 new diesel and electric buses over a three-year period.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan announced that 310 of these buses will be diesel-powered, marking the last batch of buses to use this type of engine, while the remaining buses will be electric vehicles (EV). The delivery of the 310 diesel buses is set to begin in June this year, with 250 EV buses expected to start being delivered by the end of the year. An additional 1,000 EV buses will be introduced in phases as part of the RM1.9 billion investment.

Prasarana’s president and group chief executive officer, Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah, noted that over 100 electric buses are designated for the upcoming LRT3 feeder service, which will include charging facilities. The introduction of these buses is part of a broader plan to enhance public transportation options.

The RapidKL On-Demand service, previously known as Demand Response Team, operates 110 vans across 37 zones within the Klang Valley and Penang. The government has allocated an additional RM55 million for the purchase of 320 more vans, which are expected to operate across 101 zones by June.

Amir Hamzah emphasized the government’s commitment to bolstering public transport infrastructure, aiming to improve accessibility and address common complaints regarding first- and last-mile journeys. The expansion of the RapidKL On-Demand service is intended to increase pickup points for passengers, making public transport more accessible to the public.