Latest news with #andMaintenance
The Star
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
ECRL's success validates BN's competency in planning mega projects, says Pahang MCA Youth chief
PETALING JAYA: The success of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project shows Barisan Nasional's competence in planning major public transportation projects that benefit the people, says Pahang MCA Youth chief Wong Siew Mun. She welcomed the Transport Minister's announcement that the project, through the ECRL Industrial Skills Training Programme (PLKI-ECRL), which will generate 3,200 job opportunities. "Unfortunately, the project was politicised by the then-opposition, who alleged that the Barisan government was 'selling the country' to China merely because China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC) was a partner in the project. "Now, the ECRL project continues and is now being proudly championed by the Transport Minister (Anthony Loke) as a testament to the country's commitment to developing its rail network and building a better future for the nation," she said in a statement on Thursday (May 8). On Tuesday, Loke announced that the PLKI-ECRL was focused on preparing for the Operations and Maintenance Manual (O&M) phase for the ECRL project, and projected that it would benefit a total of 3,200 trainees during this phase. Wong said there was an undeniable sense of pride seeing mega projects initiated by the previous Barisan government still bringing benefits to the people and the country, even though it was relentlessly politicised and slandered, leading to a change of government in the 2018 General Election. "One can only wonder how much better things could have been if Barisan's mega projects had not been irresponsibly politicised or turned into targets of slander by the Opposition. "Imagine the benefits the rakyat could already be enjoying today and the economic spillover that would have been realised had these projects not been delayed due to vindictive politics. "It is hoped that politicians will be more responsible in their conduct and refrain from hurling baseless accusations or slander merely to gain political mileage by inciting public anger and hatred," she added.
The Star
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
ECRL project reaches 82.45% completion
KUALA LUMPUR: The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, which spans four states – namely, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor – has achieved an overall progress of 82.45% as of April this year, according to Anthony Loke. The Transport Minister said the track installation, a core component of the ECRL project, has been successfully completed over 400km, covering the main line from Maran, Pahang, to Kota Baru, Kelantan. 'This was completed two and a half months ahead of schedule. 'As such, track installation for the next 100km from Maran to Bentong, Pahang, will begin this month and is expected to be completed by the end of June 2025,' he said in his speech during the launching ceremony of the ECRL Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Phase Job Opportunity and PLKI-ECRL Offer Letter Presentation Ceremony here yesterday. The construction of ECRL stations, Loke said, was progressing satisfactorily and is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2026 to prepare for the project's operational phase. 'A total of 11 six-car EMU (electric multiple unit) trains manufactured by CRRC Dalian have been allocated for ECRL operations, with the first set expected to arrive in the country by the end of this year. 'These EMU trains will operate at a maximum speed of 160km per hour, providing a travel time of just four hours from Kota Baru to the Gombak Integrated Terminal when commercial service begins in January 2027. 'Simultaneously, the ECRL project has also allocated 12 E-Loco sets from CRRC Dalian for cargo transport, with the first set also arriving by the end of this year. 'We are optimistic that ECRL, as a national infrastructure project, will drive the shift of cargo movement from road to rail as an alternative mode of long-distance transport that is safe, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective. 'This aligns with the ministry's new policy to reduce road congestion and address environmental concerns, such as lowering carbon footprints,' said Loke. He also announced that ECRL Operation Sdn Bhd will oversee the O&M side of the ECRL project. 'The establishment of ECRL Operation Sdn Bhd is in line with the government's aspiration to strengthen the national rail sector by expanding railway services and creating job opportunities, particularly for youth in the field of railway engineering. 'We are in need of local experts, especially in railway engineering and maintenance, as rail services are key to the development of metropolitan and major cities in any country. 'With operations expected to commence soon, the (O&M) phase has become critical. We must ensure that this project is operated by a local workforce that is not only highly skilled but also well-versed in modern rail operations,' he said. The ministry has also been informed that about 1,800 personnel will be required once the ECRL operational phase begins in January 2027, said Loke. 'From its beginnings in the construction phase, PLKI-ECRL is now moving forward with a focus on preparing for the O&M phase. 'The programme aims to benefit a total of 3,200 trainees during this phase. 'As a starting point, this year, 210 trainees from across Malaysia will be sent to Liuzhou, China, for an intensive one-year training programme. 'The first group, comprising 102 trainees, is scheduled to depart for China in phases starting from May 15, 2025.'
Asharq Al-Awsat
27-01-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia Embraces Digitalization and AI to Enhance Asset, Facility Management Efficiency
A recent research study presented during the International Conference on Asset, Facility Management, and Maintenance, held in Jeddah, underscored the deep impact of efficiency and economic sustainability on reducing operational costs and improving institutional performance. The study revealed that implementing effective facility management strategies can lower operational costs by up to 20%, creating opportunities for organizations to invest in innovation and development. Moreover, adopting sustainable solutions can reduce energy consumption in public facilities by as much as 30%, directly contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals. Held under the patronage of Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Governor of Makkah Province, the conference is held from January 26 to 28 and features participation from over 100 experts representing 25 countries. The findings highlighted that organizations employing sustainable development strategies achieve measurable improvements in operational efficiency ranging from 20% to 30%, along with a notable 25% boost in productivity. Additionally, these strategies drastically reduce contract failure rates by 70%. Advanced Infrastructure Dr. Zuhair Al-Sarraj, Secretary-General of the conference, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the event aims to establish a specialized platform for the exchange of expertise and knowledge in the fields of facility management and maintenance. He emphasized that the conference introduces innovative solutions for preserving essential infrastructure and vital facilities, such as airports, hospitals, roads, and university campuses. Al-Sarraj also stressed the importance of training and empowering Saudi youth with the professional skills and expertise required to manage these resources effectively. He noted that Saudi Arabia stands among the leading countries in terms of extensive real estate holdings and advanced infrastructure, developed through multi-billion-riyal national plans. The official further highlighted Saudi Arabia's strong technical and human capabilities, which position the Kingdom as a leader in this sector. This leadership is further enhanced by the country's rapid strides toward digitalization, as well as the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). He explained that smart solutions enable precise and efficient decision-making through advanced data analysis, reducing the reliance on large maintenance teams. According to recent studies, the adoption of smart systems can decrease maintenance costs by up to 25%, thanks to proactive policies that minimize waste and improve operational efficiency. The Secretary-General also underscored the role of asset and facility management in achieving sustainability and enhancing infrastructure performance. Shaping Future Directions Dr. Mohammed Al-Fouzan, Chairman of the Arab Operations and Maintenance Council, said in his keynote address that digitalization is transforming every aspect of life, fundamentally reshaping asset and facility management. He outlined four key pillars—essence, appearance, function, and goals—that are critical in shaping strategies and future directions in this field. The first day of the conference witnessed the inauguration of AFM Expo, an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge innovations in facility management and maintenance. The exhibition highlighted advanced technologies in preventive maintenance and digitalization, with a strong focus on enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs. The conference serves as a crucial platform bringing together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, academia, and investment communities, fostering collaboration and driving practical solutions to the challenges faced in facility management.
