Johor bahru: The National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which aims to increase the use of electric buses significantly, is seen as opening up new growth opportunities for local manufacturers, including Johor-based Gemilang Coachwork Sdn Bhd. The company’s executive director, Pang Jun Jie, said the government’s focus on energy transition and green mobility not only stimulates domestic demand but also enhances Malaysia’s competitiveness as a regional hub for electric bus manufacturing.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Pang emphasized that the adoption of electric buses is a crucial part of the national agenda to reduce transport-related emissions and accelerate the shift towards cleaner mobility solutions. Johor, with its robust industrial ecosystem, modern infrastructure, skilled workforce, and strategic connectivity, is positioned as a prime base for the manufacturing and export of electric buses.
Pang highlighted that GML focuses on developing lightweight aluminium bus bodies and modular designs that can be integrated with various international original equipment manufacturer (OEM) chassis such as Volvo, Scania, MAN, CRRC, and BYD. These innovations align with NETR’s direction towards energy-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles, creating opportunities for local players to expand production capacity and market green-technology-based products.
With the capacity to produce up to 500 completely built-up (CBU) buses and 1,000 completely knocked-down (CKD) body kits annually, GML is optimistic that NETR-driven demand will bolster Malaysia’s position as a regional electric bus manufacturer and an important contributor to the country’s green economy.
Operating from its Senai facility for over 30 years, GML has supplied buses to major operators such as Rapid KL, Rapid Penang, and Rapid Kuantan, establishing itself as a leader in the electrification of Malaysia’s public transport. Beyond domestic achievements, GML has made significant strides in international markets, exporting to over 15 countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.
Among its key accomplishments are securing its largest export order of 190 CKD bus body kits to Uzbekistan and delivering CBU electric school buses to the US, showcasing the global competitiveness of local technology. Currently, GML is supplying 76 double-decker buses to Dubai through a collaboration with FAMCO and Volvo, contributing to high-value export growth for Malaysia’s manufacturing sector.
Pang noted that Johor’s industrial ecosystem, comprising a skilled workforce, strong supplier networks, and logistics facilities via the Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Johor Port, and the Port of Singapore, offers local manufacturers a competitive advantage in meeting international demand.