Kuala lumpur: Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana) today launched 310 diesel buses, under the 2025 Bus Replacement programme, to enhance public transport services in the Klang Valley and Penang.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that this marks Prasarana’s final procurement of diesel buses, aligning with the government’s goal to shift towards a more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and low-carbon public transport system. Loke emphasized the crucial role Prasarana plays in delivering safe, efficient, and reliable services, expressing confidence that the new buses will improve service quality, comfort, safety, and accessibility for the public.
The initiative is part of Prasarana’s strategy to replace aging assets and enhance operational capabilities, supporting the Ministry of Transport’s and the Malaysian government’s vision to strengthen the public transport system. Loke made these remarks during the launch ceremony, attended by key figures such as Land Public Transport Agency director-general, Datuk Azlan Shah Al Bakri; Prasarana Group president and CEO, Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah; and Rapid Bus chairman, Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali.
All 310 diesel buses, manufactured by Higer, will be deployed in stages on select routes, especially in densely populated areas with high passenger demand. Loke noted that Higer was chosen after a comprehensive evaluation of technical performance, safety, and reliability. Although imported from China, the buses are fully assembled in Johor, supporting technology transfer and contributing to local industry growth.
The buses comply with Euro 5 emission standards, which will help improve air quality in major urban centers. Loke mentioned that the ministry is preparing for a full transition to electric buses by 2037. The introduction of these diesel buses not only expands the current fleet but also begins the process of phasing them out, in line with sustainability goals.
Loke reiterated the ministry’s commitment to advancing Malaysia’s public transport sector through environmentally friendly initiatives and sustainable technology. This aligns with Prasarana’s support for national policies like the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB) 2021-2030. He emphasized Prasarana’s commitment to supporting these initiatives strategically and effectively, including developing charging infrastructure, technical training, and maintenance.
Public and private sectors were urged to collaborate to elevate public transport as the preferred choice for Malaysians. Loke also expressed appreciation to Mohd Azharuddin, acknowledging his contributions to the nation’s transport sector and Prasarana’s transformation, noting improvements in train operations and bus services over the past few years.