First ECRL electric trains and locomotives to arrive by end-2025
Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) confirmed the delivery, which will support commissioning tests ahead of passenger and freight operations starting in June 2026.
MRL chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak stated that an additional nine EMU sets and 18 locomotives will be delivered between April and May 2025.
'In total, there will be 11 EMU trains for passenger services and 20 locomotives for freight operations,' he said during the launch of the 2025 POLYCC TVET Mega Fiesta at Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Polytechnic (PSMZA).
Darwis also announced that MRL will send 109 students from higher learning institutions to China for the ECRL Industrial Skills Training Programme (PLKI-ECRL) between August and October this year.
Trainees are guaranteed jobs with the ECRL project, offering a starting salary of RM3,000.
'In May, we sent 101 students from polytechnics and MARA institutions for the same programme. PSMZA alone had around 60 students selected,' he added.
The collaboration between TVET institutions and industry partners is vital in developing a skilled workforce ready for global challenges. – Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sinar Daily
6 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
TFP rolls out e-wages to boost financial inclusion, workplace efficiency
SHAH ALAM - TFP Solutions Berhad (TFP) has officially launched e-Wages, a cutting-edge digital salary payment platform that aims to modernise payroll systems for Malaysia's approximately 2.4 million foreign workers. Developed through its subsidiary SoftFac Technology Sdn Bhd in partnership with MobilityOne Sdn Bhd, a Bank Negara-licensed financial service provider, the platform marked a major advancement in promoting financial inclusion and workforce efficiency in the country. As concerns mount over wage transparency, security and exploitation in traditional cash-based payroll systems, e-Wages was positioned as a comprehensive and secure solution that benefitted both employers and employees. By integrating financial technology, telecommunications and regulatory compliance features, the platform ensured that salary payments were processed on time, traceable and fully compliant with existing labour and banking laws. It eliminates the need for risky, manual methods and creates a system of accountability that supports the fair and consistent payment of wages. e-Wages has been endorsed under the Malaysia Madani Digital Initiative, aligning with the government's push for a cashless economy and digital transformation. By digitising payroll, the platform not only minimises the risks of fraud and worker exploitation but also improves the accuracy of GDP reporting through properly documented salary transactions. Sectors such as manufacturing, construction, plantations and food and beverage were expected to benefit greatly from this streamlined and transparent payroll solution. TFP's initiative came at a time when over 200,000 employers in Malaysia were still reliant on conventional wage distribution methods. With e-Wages, TFP was tapping into a multi-billion-ringgit opportunity while simultaneously enhancing its financial performance, ESG standing and investor appeal. TFP Group chief executive officer Eugena Braganza described the launch as a significant milestone in Malaysia's digital journey. "This is more than just a tech deployment; it's national infrastructure. We're proud to contribute to Malaysia's digital transformation and play a key role in empowering the foreign workforce through practical, secure and inclusive solutions," she said. Employers nationwide were currently being onboarded to adopt the platform and businesses were encouraged to leverage e-Wages to simplify their payroll operations and support the well-being of their workers. e-Wages functions as an end-to-end digital ecosystem that centralises payroll, payments and remittance services into a single, user-friendly system. Workers receive a physical Mastercard that is accepted globally, allowing them secure and convenient access to their wages. Locally, they can make payments through DuitNow at over two million merchant outlets across Malaysia. The system also included built-in, licensed international remittance services, enabling workers to send money home instantly and legally. The solution also came bundled with nationwide mobile connectivity through CelcomDigi, ensuring users remained connected and accessible at all times. The platform addresses longstanding issues that have plagued the payroll system, such as the need to withdraw and distribute large sums of cash, the manual handling of salaries by HR staff and the use of undocumented and illegal money transfer services. By removing these outdated practices, e-Wages not only protects workers but also reduces administrative burdens for employers.
Malay Mail
10 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Malaysia's June exports fall 3.5pc but trade surplus rebounds to RM8.59b amid US tariffs
KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 — Malaysia's trade performance remained firm in the first half of 2025 (1H2025), rising by 4.8 per cent to RM1.46 trillion compared to the corresponding period in 2024, according to the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti). In a statement today, Miti said exports were up by 3.8 per cent to RM760.2 billion and imports rose 5.9 per cent to RM704.67 billion, while the trade surplus stood at RM55.53 billion. 'Trade performance for June 2025, however, experienced a modest 1.2 per cent decline to RM234.85 billion compared to June 2024. 'Exports contracted by 3.5 per cent to RM121.72 billion, while imports rose 1.2 per cent to RM113.13 billion,' it said. Miti said trade surplus rebounded to RM8.59 billion in June from RM759.9 million in May, marking the 62nd consecutive month of surplus since May 2020, thus reflecting continued resilience in Malaysia's external trade position. The ministry primarily attributed the decline in exports in June to lower shipments of manufactured and mining goods, particularly petroleum products, liquified natural gas and crude petroleum. 'This contraction was partly cushioned by continued strength in exports of palm oil and palm oil-based agricultural products, which posted double-digit growth in June 2025, extending its growth streak to the 15th consecutive months. 'This was also supported by increased exports of machinery, equipment and parts as well as electrical and electronics (E&E) products,' it added. Miti said the growth in E&E exports is consistent with the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics projection of an 11.2 per cent rise in global semiconductor sales for 2025. In terms of destinations, exports to major trading partners, namely the United States, the European Union and Taiwan, registered growth in June 2025. 'Exports to Mexico also increased, primarily driven by higher shipments of E&E products. 'As for the United States' tariff measures, Malaysia remains committed to continuing engagement to achieve a balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade arrangement,' it said. The ministry said Miti and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation are also intensifying efforts to build a more resilient trade ecosystem, including diversifying export markets and strengthening trade ties through Free Trade Agreements. — Bernama
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
E&O launches Conlay Signature Suites, optimistic on foreign demand for luxury residences
KUALA LUMPUR: Eastern & Oriental Bhd (E&O) is banking on sustained demand for luxury residences among foreign buyers, with more than 70% of its landmark Conlay by E&O development already taken up by international purchasers, led by investors from Taiwan, China, Singapore, Japan and Western countries. The Conlay Signature Suites, the upper-tier second phase of Conlay by E&O, has recorded a take-up rate of 40% since its soft launch in May, with overall project sales reaching about 76%. E&O managing director Kok Tuck Cheong said the group remains optimistic about the resilience of the luxury property segment, especially in the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) area, where discerning buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and service over price. 'Projects like Conlay are not driven by cost alone. Buyers in this segment are looking at quality, location and architectural identity, and we have delivered that,' he said at the official launch of Conlay Signature Suites today. The premium freehold development, located near the Conlay MRT station and the KLCC, has seen strong market traction despite global economic headwinds and Malaysia's evolving property market. He added that international buyers see Kuala Lumpur as undervalued compared to other regional capitals. 'Our buyers, especially from East Asia and Europe, view KL as offering excellent value for lifestyle property. With our collaboration with Mitsui Fudosan, we are giving them both luxury and legacy,' Kok said. The 491-unit project, developed in collaboration with Japan's Mitsui Fudosan Group, sits on 1.44 acres of freehold land and has a gross development value of RM968 million. Unit prices in the Signature Suites range from RM1.52 million to RM12 million, offered fully furnished under a build-and-sell concept. While Conlay Signature Suites nears completion, Kok revealed that E&O is preparing to launch a development in Elmina, on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur in the fourth quarter of this year. This marks the company's ongoing push into affluent growth corridors beyond the city core. The Elmina development will reflect what we have learned from Conlay Signature Suites; it won't just be about square footage, but lifestyle integration. We're observing the evolving demand patterns,' he said. When asked about landbank expansion, Kok said E&O remains open to acquiring new plots but stopped short of disclosing specific locations or land size. 'We're selective. It's not about how much land we have but where it is and what we can do with it.' The move to Elmina reflects a broader trend among developers repositioning themselves in Klang Valley's high-growth outer ring, amid rising land and construction costs in the city centre. Touching on policy issues such as the Foreign Source Income Tax and the change in the Overnight Policy Rate, Kok said current E&O projects are unaffected due to fixed-price, opt-in contracts. 'Any changes in tax policy will ultimately affect the entire value chain, including end buyers. But for Conlay and our ongoing projects, we're not impacted.' Kok acknowledged that building Conlay was particularly challenging due to its architectural demands. The contractor, KPI Prospect, had to undertake meticulous coordination to deliver the iconic design envisioned by Kerry Hill Architects and GDP Architects. 'The structure is deceptively simple, but technically complex. We had to coordinate precision detailing, from facade fins to interior finishes, and we're proud of the result,' Kok explained. E&O faces stiff competition in the luxury high-rise segment, particularly in the KLCC precinct. However, the group believes Conlay Signature Suites's design pedigree, wellness-driven amenities, and full-service offerings have helped it stand out. The Signature Suites range from 635 sq ft to 3,617 sq ft, featuring facilities such as sky dining, music rooms, wellness floors, a heated infinity pool, and 24-hour concierge services, including a personal chef. The development has secured provisional GreenRE Gold certification for sustainability. 'This building will be a landmark not just architecturally, but as a symbol of urban resort living in the heart of Kuala Lumpur,' Kok said. As the group moves towards launching its Elmina project and explores future opportunities, E&O appears set to retain its niche in delivering high-end, lifestyle-driven developments for both local and international buyers.
