Latest news with #MohdAzharuddinMatSah
The Star
17-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Prasarana aims for 40% public transport usage by 2030
PETALING JAYA, 16 Mei -- Presiden merangkap Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Kumpulan Prasarana, Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah (kiri), dan Pengarah Eksekutif UNGCMYB, Faroze Nadar (kanan), menandatangani memorandum persefahaman (MoU) bagi memperkukuh komitmen terhadap kelestarian vendor ESG Hub melibatkan 5,000 PKS, hari ini di Menara Prasarana. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) HAK CIPTA TERPELIHARA PETALING JAYA: Prasarana Malaysia Bhd will roll out more electric buses and upgrade its rail infrastructure to help Malaysia meet its national target of having 40% of journeys made using public transport by 2030, says its president and group chief executive Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah. He was responding to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's comment on Tuesday that the public transport usage rate of 25% in the country is low compared to other developed countries. 'We have taken note of the DPM's statement. In fact, we have presented to him the full infrastructure agenda to upgrade public transportation the next day, after he made the remarks,' he said at a press conference following the launch of Vendor ESG Hub at Prasarana's headquarters here yesterday. In terms of rail expansion, Azharuddin said the Shah Alam line (formerly known as LRT3) is expected to be completed this year. 'The Shah Alam LRT line will incorporate significant eco-friendly features when it opens in September. 'These include smart LED lighting that adjusts to natural light, a smart air-conditioning system which is expected to reduce energy consumption by 32% and installation of solar photovoltaic infrastructure at the train stabling yards,' he said, adding that the number of buses will also be increased. Azharuddin said Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Congestion, also made the decision to create more dedicated bus lanes. 'We are also working closely with the Housing and Local Government Ministry to upgrade bus stops and pedestrian facilities so that the public can conveniently access train and bus stops,' he said. Azharuddin also said Prasarana is targeting to increase ridership on its own network (covering Rapid KL, Rapid Penang and Rapid Kuantan, among others) to 1.5 million each day by next year when compared to the current ridership of 1.3 million. On May 13, Ahmad Zahid in a Facebook post said Singapore recorded a public transport usage rate of 67%, with the corresponding figures for Seoul and Tokyo at 63% and 73%, respectively. The event at the Prasarana headquarters revolved around the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Prasarana and UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei (UNGCMYB). The MOU pertains to the launch of Vendor ESG Hub – a dedicated platform to introduce sustainable business practices to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The new online platform will build capacity for Prasarana's 5,000 SME vendors by providing access to training, tools and resources focused on best practices of environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles. ESG is a framework for evaluating a company's performance beyond financial metrics by also looking at impact on the environment, relationships with stakeholders and governance structures. UNGCMYB executive director Faroze Nadar said for a business to play a truly transformative role in creating social and environmental impact, it 'must have head, hands and most importantly, heart'. 'Often the focus tends to be on the head, the strategy, and the hand is the implementation,' he said.
The Sun
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Prasarana signs MoU with UN agency to support SME vendors on sustainability
PETALING JAYA: Prasarana Malaysia Bhd is forging a partnership with the UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei (UNGCMYB), taking a step forward in the company's ongoing efforts towards achieving its Sustainability Blueprint 2023-2030 goals. 'Through this strategic collaboration with the UNGCMYB, we aim to further strengthen our commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices,' Prasarana president and group CEO Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah said at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) today. He said the partnership will be anchored on a three-pillar strategy – talent development, targeted enhancement and global and regional brand elevation – designed to drive impactful change across Prasarana's organisation and contribute meaningfully to broader sustainability goals. As part of the partnership, Prasarana will launch the Vendor ESG Hub, a dedicated digital platform that will provide more than 5,000 SME vendors with access to environment, social and governance training, tools and resources. The Prasarana Vendor ESG Hub, which is under the targeted enhancement pillar, is the second of its kind in Malaysia after Petroliam Nasional Bhd's. Beginning in July, Prasarana will conduct quarterly in-person training sessions aimed at helping SMEs understand ESG fundamentals and develop the capability to produce their own sustainability reports. 'Given that SMEs represent 96% of businesses in Malaysia, contribute over 30% to the nation's GDP (gross domestic product) and employ well over four million people, their role in advancing ESG practices is vital. 'This pattern is similarly observed across Apec economies, reinforcing the need to empower SMEs as a critical step toward driving national and regional sustainability progress,' Mohd Azharuddin said, referring to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum countries. Under the talent development pillar, Prasarana is introducing a structured sustainability training and certification programme for employees at all levels – from C-suite executives to frontliners. The initiative will kick off at the end of this month with the first cohort comprising approximately 250 staff, reinforcing its commitment to embedding sustainability competencies across the organisation. Under the global and regional brand elevation pillar, Prasarana's leadership in ESG has been internationally recognised through its invitation to represent Malaysia at the UN Private Sector Forum in New York, where it serves as a member of the UNGC advisory panel. In addition, Prasarana is actively engaging in roundtable sessions with government ministries, industry stakeholders, and global experts – including the International Association of Public Transport – to advocate for sustainable mobility. The insights and outcomes from these discussions will be documented in a co-branded roundtable report, strengthening Prasarana's voice in shaping the future of sustainable transport. Mohd Azharuddin said that in alignment with Prasarana's Sustainability Blueprint, which was launched in December 2023, the company remains committed to advancing ESG goals through a series of strategic and measurable initiatives. 'As part of our long-term vision, we aim to reduce carbon emissions by 45% through the electrification of our bus fleet, beginning with the rollout of 250 electric buses, with the first deliveries expected by the end of this year. Our target is to achieve 100% bus fleet electrification by 2037. 'In parallel, we are working to increase the use of renewable energy by 5%, supported by solar EV systems already generating approximately 300 MWh across more than 50 locations at our depots and stations. 'In line with our community outreach efforts, we have also sponsored 40 solar-powered streetlights in Kampung Kerdas, Gombak, demonstrating how our sustainability efforts extend beyond operations to benefit local communities,' he added. The MoU with UNGCMYB is a testament to Prasarana's role in pushing the industry forward and ensuring public transport continues to evolve as a sustainable and inclusive service for all Malaysians, Mohd Azharuddin said.
The Sun
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Prasarana aiming for 40% usage of public transportation by 2030
PETALING JAYA: Prasarana Malaysia Bhd (Prasarana) is optimistic about achieving a 40 per cent target of public transport usage in the country by 2030, in line with ongoing efforts to enhance existing facilities and services. Its president and group chief executive officer, Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah said that with government support, his team is implementing strategic planning to increase the number of users (ridership) from 1.3 million this year to 1.5 million next year. 'Among the main initiatives are the addition of the light rail transit (LRT) 3 (Shah Alam route) which is expected to be operational by the end of this year, the addition of dedicated bus lanes, and collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) to improve pedestrian pathways to bus and LRT stations,' he said. He said this at a press conference after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei (UNGCMYB), represented by its executive director Faroze Nadar here today. According to Mohd Azharuddin, Prasarana also plans to expand the Rapid KL On-Demand service, which is becoming increasingly popular among Klang Valley residents, and to increase the number of electric buses as part of the sustainable mobility agenda. 'Dedicated bus lanes are also very important because they allow buses to increase their frequency and provide faster journeys for passengers,' he said. He is confident that this systematic and comprehensive approach can contribute towards achieving the 40 per cent target of public transportation usage by 2023. Previously, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi revealed that the public transportation usage rate in Malaysia is still low at around 25 per cent, far behind developed countries like Singapore (67 per cent), Seoul (63 per cent) and Tokyo (73 per cent). He emphasied that an efficient public transportation system not only facilitates the daily movement of the people but also acts as a catalyst for economic growth, social well-being, and inclusive mobility in both urban and rural areas. Meanwhile, Mohd Azharuddin also said that he had a meeting with Ahmad Zahid recently, and among the matters discussed was the urgent need to add dedicated lanes for the bus service.
The Sun
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Prasarana, Hitachi Rail to upskill 1,000 Malaysians
PETALING JAYA: Prasarana Malaysia Bhd has launched a long-term workforce development initiative that aims to train 1,000 Malaysians over five years in rail and smart mobility disciplines, as part of its strengthened commitment to the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy 2030. Group CEO Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah said the initiative named Prasarana TVET Programme, supported through a strategic partnership with Hitachi Rail, positions Prasarana at the forefront of public transport talent development in the country. 'The new programme is set to roll out in the fourth quarter of 2025, likely by November, which will focus on three core areas of electric bus operation, rolling stock maintenance and cybersecurity. 'Participants will receive the nationally recognised Malaysian Skills Certificate (Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia or SKM), preparing them for real-world roles in the increasingly technical landscape of urban mobility. 'We are not just building rail systems, we are building people. This initiative will equip 1,000 individuals over the next five years with the skills to lead Malaysia's smart transport transformation,' he told reporters at the memorandum of understanding signing ceremony between Prasarana and Hitachi Rail, yesterday. He remarked that the TVET programme will span between 9 to 12 months, blending theory-based learning, technical training, and on-the-ground exposure across Prasarana's operational and maintenance sites. 'Participants will undergo extensive hands-on training, which includes site visits to operations control centres and depots, ensuring they gain critical insights into the real-time dynamics of running urban rail systems. 'This is not a short, introductory course, it is a full commitment to developing skilled professionals,' he said. He noted that the programme will enroll an average of 200 participants per year, culminating in a total of 1,000 trainees by 2030. 'These individuals will be selected from a mix of school leavers, vocational students, diploma holders, and university graduates, ensuring inclusivity across educational backgrounds. 'This is our talent pipeline. By nurturing them early, we identify potential and bring them into the ecosystem, something that is essential given our scale consists of five MRT lines, 1,000 buses, and over 13,000 employees across the country,' he explained. Additionally, he said Prasarana is also running a parallel Protege programme, which includes two streams, a marketing-focused pathway, and the Prasarana TVET Programme. 'The latter involves immersive field-based learning experiences designed to familiarise young talent with the operational demands of the rail industry. 'Currently, 57 participants are enrolled across the two Protege streams, with around 29 individuals per cohort. 'These placements include structured learning with a focus on personal and professional development. 'This partnership with Hitachi Rail is more than a corporate alliance, it is a shared vision to build local expertise, reduce talent gaps, and uplift the prestige of technical careers in Malaysia.' As the country advances toward becoming a regional smart mobility leader, Mohd Azharuddin said the Prasarana-Hitachi collaboration is expected to significantly support national goals in economic competitiveness, innovation, and sustainable development. 'This is how we support the national TVET policy, not just in spirit, but through action. We believe in nurturing a generation that can carry forward the vision of smart, inclusive, and sustainable transportation for Malaysia.'
Malay Mail
23-04-2025
- Science
- Malay Mail
Sensor installation at LRT stations pending study completion, key to preventing platform accidents, says Prasarana CEO
KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 — Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana) said the study on installing sensors at light rail transit (LRT) stations is expected to be completed within the next two to three months. Prasarana's president and group chief executive officer, Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah, said the sensors are being developed to alert authorities if anyone tries to enter the restricted safety zone. He added that these sensors are expected to be implemented this year, provided the study is completed within the planned timeframe. 'We are currently conducting a study, and only once it is completed will we decide when to begin the sensor installation process. 'This matter requires a more in-depth study, so we will complete the study first before determining the timeline and refining the cost involved,' he said. He told reporters this at a Prasarana event to strengthen efforts to develop the future workforce in line with the national TVET policy agenda, held at Menara Prasarana, Petaling Jaya today. Mohd Azharuddin was responding to a question on the progress of sensor installation at LRT stations following the tragic incident involving a man with disabilities who died after falling onto the tracks and being struck by a train at the Titiwangsa LRT Station on February 22. On March 31, he said that Prasarana would introduce additional safety measures at LRT stations by installing sensors beyond the designated safe zone and a long-term solution of installing platform screen doors similar to those at MRT stations. — Bernama
