Kuala Lumpur: Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that his ministry will embark on a working visit to Thailand in March or April to strengthen cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand in the rail sector. The visit, set to take place in Bangkok, aims to bolster efforts towards the implementation of the Pan-Asian railway network.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) received an invitation from the Thai Transport Minister to discuss this collaboration. Loke emphasized the importance of support and cooperation from Thailand to ensure the success of the Pan-Asian railway network, noting existing projects with Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) and The State Railway of Thailand. He highlighted the ASEAN Express cargo service between Malaysia and China as an example of current cooperation, although he expressed a desire for improved frequency.
Loke made these remarks following the handover ceremony of the ETS Class 93 Train, a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) project by M Rail Technics Sdn Bhd (RAILTEC) to the Ministry of Transport at the KTMB EMU Depot. RAILTEC, a joint venture between Destini Berhad and KTMB, plays a significant role in Malaysia’s railway MRO sector.
The media had reported earlier on the Ministry’s hopes to realize the railway network connecting Malaysia and China in the near future. In his speech, Loke emphasized the role of the MRO service sector in supporting infrastructure development and driving economic and social growth. This aligns with Malaysia’s ambition to become a leading regional rail transport hub.
To reach a target of 80 percent rail track utilization in Peninsular Malaysia by 2030, the government has outlined a phased plan to expand passenger rail services across Malaysia from 2024 to 2030, aiming for 299 passenger train operations nationwide. Loke stressed the importance of fully leveraging this opportunity to position Malaysia as a leader in the MRO field, supported by significant government investments in rail infrastructure, including MRT and LRT projects.
With ongoing efforts, Loke expressed confidence in modernizing the country’s rail sector and creating new skilled job opportunities. He highlighted the ongoing implementation of 35 sets of KTM commuter trains, valued at RM531 million, by RAILTEC through the MRO project, along with 10 sets for ETS Class 93 worth RM163 million.