Latest news with #PrasaranaMalaysiaBhd
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Penang Rapid On-Demand expands van-bus service in seven zones
GEORGE TOWN: Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd (Rapid Bus) will expand its Rapid Penang On-Demand service through a three-month Proof of Concept (POC) phase starting May 31, involving seven zones. Prasarana Malaysia Bhd group chief operating officer (operations) Amir Hamdan said his party identified the seven zones based on local demand, population density and the need to improve connectivity with existing bus route service coverage. He said the first zone, the Alma zone, will be equipped with four vans to connect passengers with existing bus routes such as (No.) 708 (Bukit Mertajam – Junjung), 801 (Penang Sentral – Nibong Tebal) and 802 (Bukit Mertajam – Nibong Tebal). "Next, the BM (Bukit Mertajam) City zone will operate with three vans in the Seberang Perai Tengah (SPT) town centre, which provides a solution for first and last mile access as well as through better interconnection with the existing bus network. "This involves routes 606 (Bukit Mertajam – Kepala Batas), 701 (Bukit Mertajam – Penang Sentral), 702 (Bukit Mertajam – Penang Sentral), 707 (Bukit Mertajam – Taman Pelangi), 708 (Bukit Mertajam – Junjung), 709 (Penang Sentral – Machang Bubuk), 802 (Bukit Mertajam – Nibong Tebal) and CT14 (Bukit Mertajam – Komtar)," he said in a statement today. Amir said the Bayan Baru zone would involve three vans to provide access to existing bus services including routes 301 (Weld Quay – Relau), 302 (Weld Quay – Batu Maung), 303 (Weld Quay – Bukit Gedung), 304 (Gurney Promenade – Bukit Gedung), 306 (Hospital – Penang International Airport), 308 (Sungai Nibong – Gertak Sanggul), 401 (Weld Quay – Teluk Kumbar), 401E (Weld Quay – Balik Pulau) and CT13 (Bayan Baru – Seberang Jaya). In addition, he said two vans for the Bertam zone would connect commuters with routes 601 (Penang Sentral – Kepala Batas), 606 (Bukit Mertajam – Kepala Batas) and 610 (Kepala Batas – Tasek Gelugor) to reduce waiting times for these routes. "The Balik Pulau zone will also have two vans for the first and last mile access with existing bus routes, namely routes 401E (Balik Pulau – Weld Quay), 403 (Balik Pulau – Pulau Betong), 404 (Balik Pulau – Pantai Acheh) and 502 (Genting Town, Balik Pulau – Weld Quay). "The Transkrian or Nibong Tebal zone also involves two vans that will operate specifically in the Transkrian area to connect communities with the Rapid Penang bus service network, while three vans will be for the Batu Kawan zone, which is an industrial, commercial and new residential hub that does not yet have a public transport network around it," he said. Amir said throughout the POC period, Rapid Bus will monitor demand and usage patterns to ensure that the service is relevant to meet needs while implementing improvements based on evaluation results and passenger feedback. As of mid-May, the service had been operating in six zones involving 31 vans with an average daily rate of 1,828 people, thus showing good acceptance among commuters. – Bernama
The Star
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
More electric buses among Prasarana's plan to improve public transport services
PETALING JAYA: Prasarana Malaysia Bhd will increase its use of electric buses as part of efforts to improve public transportation services, says its president and group chief executive Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah. He was responding to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who said that public transport use in the country remained low at 25% when compared to other developed countries. "We have presented Prasarana's full infrastructure agenda to upgrade public transportation the day after he (Ahmad Zahid) made the remarks. "While the national target of public transportation modal share is to achieve 40% by 2030… the planning is very clear," he said at a press conference after the launch of the Vendor ESG Hub at Menara Prasarana here on Friday (May 16). In terms of rail expansion, Azharuddin elaborated that Shah Alam LRT line is expected to be completed soon. "The Shah Alam LRT line extension 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 stabling yards for installation of solar panels. Additionally, Azharuddin said the number of buses would be increased, with a focus on electric buses. "We also have the Rapid KL BRT on-demand service, which is increasing in popularity among Klang Valley residents," he added. Azharuddin also said Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Congestion, has also decided to have more dedicated bus lanes. "These lanes are crucial for ensuring buses can move more smoothly and frequently, enabling faster trips. "We are also working closely with the Housing and Local Government Ministry to upgrade bus stations and pedestrian facilities for better access. "This is part of a systematic solution that we believe will increase the modal share of public land transport," he said. Azharuddin also said Prasarana is targeting a ridership of 1.5 million in 2026, compared to 1.3 million currently. In a Facebook post on May 13, Ahmad Zahid said Japan had a public transport usage rate 73%, Singapore at 67%, and 63% for South Korea. Earlier at the event, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Prasarana and UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei to launch a Vendor ESG Hub dedicated platform to introduce sustainable business practices for small- and medium-sized enterprises. The new online platform will build capacity for Prasarana's 5,000 SME vendors through access to training, tools, and resources focused on environmentalism, sustainability and governance (ESG) principles. "Participating vendors will also be guided to eventually develop their own sustainability reports, aligned with international ESG standards. "Our impact as a public transport operator goes beyond moving people. We are helping to build a stronger business ecosystem – one that supports SMEs and delivers better services to the public," he 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.
New Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Prasarana launches new MyRapid Pulse app with multiple exciting features
KUALA LUMPUR: Prasarana Malaysia Bhd (Prasarana) has introduced its new MyRapid Pulse trip planner application, which will provide various benefits to users of its public transport services, replacing the previous version which was discontinued today. In a statement today, Prasarana said the new app is in line with the government's aspiration to make public transport a key driver in strengthening the country's tourism sector while making it easier for tourists, especially international visitors, to plan their journeys. "Among the main features of this application are more user-friendly navigation and trip planning functions, as well as the introduction of an 'Explore City' feature. "It will help users identify interesting locations around the Klang Valley based on categories such as tourist landmarks and more," the statement read. Also, the new MyRapid Pulse is designed to complement modern lifestyles with emphasis on connectivity, exploration, lifestyle rewards and daily convenience, specifically for public transport users, whether for daily commuting or urban exploration. The app also introduces a 'Rewards and Promotions' feature that provides added value to registered users through partnerships with selected retail and lifestyle brands, allowing users to enjoy various exclusive offers such as purchase discounts and special promotions. Prasarana encourages all users to download the new version of MyRapid Pulse from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store to experience the latest travel features and fully enjoy all the offerings. In line with Prasarana's slogan 'Advancing Mobility, Enriching Experiences', the company hopes the app will help all users, particularly tourists and first-time users, to plan their journeys more efficiently from one location to another. – Bernama
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.'
