Latest news with #Euro5
The Star
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Rapid Bus revs up minibus services
KUALA LUMPUR: Diesel-powered minibuses are among the latest additions to Rapid Bus' fleet serving the Klang Valley and Penang, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced. A total of 310 diesel buses will be deployed on selected high-demand routes to improve service frequency, he said. This will also be the final batch of diesel-powered buses purchased by Prasarana in line with the government's commitment to transitioning towards more environmentally friendly transport systems, Loke added. 'As the country's main public transport operator, Prasarana has played a key role in delivering safe, efficient and reliable bus and train services. 'The diesel bus programme forms part of Prasarana's long-term strategic plan to enhance its assets and strengthen operational capabilities,' he said during the unveiling ceremony of Rapid KL and Rapid Penang's diesel buses here yesterday. While manufactured by the Chinese company Higer, the components for the new buses are assembled locally in Johor. Loke said this supports technology transfer and the development of Malaysia's automotive sector. Fleet expansion: Loke (left) launching the new Rapid Bus diesel fleet. Also present are Prasarana president and group chief executive Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah (second from left) and the Transport Ministry's secretary-general Datuk Jana Santhiran Muniayan (in blue shirt). — LOW BOON TAT/The Star 'These buses comply with Euro 5 emissions standards, which are among the strictest global benchmarks in regulating pollutants such as nitrogen oxide. 'This new fleet will help improve air quality, particularly in urban areas,' he said. Of the 310 units, 200 are 9-metre minibuses designed to serve residential areas that are less accessible to standard-sized buses. Of these, 70 will be allocated to Penang to further enhance first- and last-mile connectivity. Looking ahead, Loke said electric buses are expected to be introduced by next year, with the tender process for their procurement already concluded. 'We are in the process of appointing a vendor. 'Delivery of the electric buses is expected to take around 12 months,' he said, adding that one of the tender requirements is for the buses to be assembled locally under a completely knocked-down model. While foreign manufacturers are allowed to bid, successful tenderers must have local partners or be locally incorporated entities, Loke noted. Separately, he revealed that Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd's (KTMB) passenger services have yet to reach break-even. However, he pointed out that the government-linked company's freight services are generating profits. 'There is indeed a shortfall in operational spending. In terms of operations, we have not yet reached profitability or the break-even point,' he said, adding that the government continues to provide a funding gap allocation to KTMB to support operational costs. In 2023, KTMB earned RM112mil from cargo operations, accounting for nearly a quarter of its total revenue.
BusinessToday
6 days ago
- Automotive
- BusinessToday
Prasarana Adds Final Diesel Bus Fleet Before EV Transition
Prasarana Malaysia Bhd has added 310 new diesel buses under its 2025 Bus Replacement Programme, marking the final addition of diesel-powered vehicles to its fleet as the company sets its sights on an electric bus transition by 2037. Speaking at the launch, Transport Minister Anthony Loke affirmed the move as a significant milestone in the government's push for a low-carbon, environmentally friendly public transport system. 'This marks Prasarana's final procurement of diesel buses. It's part of our long-term strategy to modernise public transport while moving toward greener alternatives. 'With these new buses, we aim to enhance service frequency, safety and accessibility for commuters in Klang Valley and Penang,' said Loke. Manufactured by Higer and fully assembled in Johor, the buses will be deployed in stages, prioritising densely populated routes with high passenger demand. Loke highlighted that the decision to locally assemble the buses supports technology transfer, encourages local job creation and strengthens the Malaysian automotive supply chain. 'All 310 buses meet the stringent Euro 5 emission standards, helping to reduce pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and improve urban air quality,' Loke said. Loke reiterated that while diesel continues to serve immediate public transport needs, the ministry is actively preparing for a full transition to electric buses by 2037. Preparatory efforts include the development of charging infrastructure, technical training and maintenance facilities. 'Prasarana is playing a leading role in supporting national policies like the National Energy Transition Roadmap (and the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021-2030. 'Their strong commitment reflects the kind of strategic and effective public transport transformation Malaysia needs,' he added. He also called on both the public and private sectors to support this shift by continuing to invest in sustainable infrastructure and championing public transport as the preferred mode of travel. Related
The Sun
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Prasarana adds 310 diesel buses to boost Klang Valley, Penang transport
KUALA LUMPUR: Prasarana Malaysia Berhad has introduced 310 new diesel buses as part of its 2025 Bus Replacement programme, aiming to improve public transport services in the Klang Valley and Penang. Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed this marks Prasarana's final diesel bus procurement, aligning with Malaysia's shift toward sustainable mobility. Loke emphasised Prasarana's role as the nation's leading public transport operator, ensuring safe and efficient services. 'With these new buses, we expect better comfort, safety, and accessibility for commuters,' he said during the launch ceremony. The initiative supports the government's broader plan to modernise ageing assets and enhance transport efficiency. The buses, manufactured by Higer, will be deployed in stages across high-demand routes. Despite being imported from China, assembly takes place in Johor, supporting local industry growth and job creation. Loke highlighted their compliance with Euro 5 emission standards, reducing pollutants like nitrogen oxide (NOx) for cleaner urban air. The minister also outlined plans for a full transition to electric buses by 2037, positioning these diesel units as a temporary measure. 'This expansion is a step toward phasing out diesel buses in line with national sustainability goals,' he added. Loke praised Prasarana's alignment with policies like the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB). He also acknowledged outgoing Prasarana CEO Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah for his contributions to transport sector improvements. - Bernama
The Star
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Prasarana rolls out 310 new diesel buses to boost Klang Valley, Penang services
KUALA LUMPUR: Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana) has deployed 310 additional diesel buses to enhance public transport services in the Klang Valley and Penang starting Monday (July 14). Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that this marks Prasarana's final procurement of diesel buses, aligning with the government's shift towards a more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and low-carbon public transport system. "As the country's primary public transport operator, Prasarana plays a crucial role in delivering safe, efficient, and reliable bus and train services. With the addition of these new buses, I am confident that service quality will continue to improve, offering greater comfort, safety, and accessibility to the public," he said on Monday. He added that the initiative under the 2025 Bus Replacement programme is part of Prasarana's long-term strategy to replace aging assets and enhance operational capabilities, in line with the ministry and the Malaysian government's vision to strengthen the country's public transport system. Loke said this in his speech at the launch of the new diesel bus ceremony, which was also attended by Land Public Transport Agency director-general, Datuk Azlan Shah Al Bakri; Prasarana Group president and chief executive officer (CEO), Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah; and Rapid Bus chairman, Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali. Loke said that all 310 diesel buses, manufactured by Higer, will be deployed in stages on selected routes, particularly in densely populated areas with high passenger demand, to provide more frequent and user-friendly services. He added that Higer was chosen following a comprehensive evaluation, based on technical performance, safety, and reliability. "Although these buses are imported from China, all components are fully assembled in Johor, supporting the government's technology transfer agenda and contributing to the growth of the local automotive industry. Beyond the technical advantages, this move also helps build local expertise and create job opportunities for Malaysians," he added. "These buses comply with Euro 5 emission standards, one of the world's strictest benchmarks for controlling pollutants such as nitrogen oxide (NOx). This will contribute to improved air quality, particularly in major urban centres. He added that his ministry is preparing for a full transition to electric buses by 2037. The introduction of these diesel buses, he noted, not only expands the current fleet but also signals the start of phasing them out, in line with the country's sustainability goals. Loke also reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to advancing Malaysia's public transport sector through environmentally friendly initiatives and sustainable technology. He said that this aligns with Prasarana's efforts to support national policies, such as the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB) 2021-2030. "I am very proud of Prasarana's strong commitment to supporting these initiatives in a strategic and effective manner, including the development of charging infrastructure, technical training, and maintenance, all of which are actively underway," he said. He also urged both public and private sectors to continue collaborating to elevate public transport as the preferred choice for Malaysians. In addition, Loke expressed his appreciation to Mohd Azharuddin, who concluded his term of service today, acknowledging his significant contributions to the nation's transport sector, and Prasarana's transformation. "Over the past two to three years, we've seen many improvements, particularly in train operations under Rapid Rail and bus services under Rapid Bus," he added. - Bernama
Barnama
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Barnama
Prasarana Rolls Out 310 New Diesel Buses To Boost Services In Klang Valley, Penang
KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 (Bernama) -- 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. Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, said 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. 'As the country's primary public transport operator, Prasarana plays a crucial role in delivering safe, efficient, and reliable bus and train services. With the addition of these new buses, I am confident that service quality will continue to improve, offering greater comfort, safety, and accessibility to the public,' he said. He added that the initiative is part of Prasarana's long-term strategy to replace aging assets and enhance operational capabilities, in line with the Ministry of Transport's and the Malaysian government's vision to strengthen the country's public transport system. Loke said this in his speech at the launch of the new diesel bus ceremony, which was also attended by Land Public Transport Agency director-general, Datuk Azlan Shah Al Bakri; Prasarana Group president and chief executive officer (CEO), Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah; and Rapid Bus chairman, Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali. Loke said that all 310 diesel buses, manufactured by Higer, will be deployed in stages on selected routes, particularly in densely populated areas with high passenger demand, to provide more frequent and user-friendly services. He added that Higer was chosen following a comprehensive evaluation, based on technical performance, safety, and reliability. 'Although these buses are imported from China, all components are fully assembled in Johor, supporting the government's technology transfer agenda, and contributing to the growth of the local automotive industry. Beyond the technical advantages, this move also helps build local expertise and create job opportunities for Malaysians,' he added. 'These buses comply with Euro 5 emission standards, one of the world's strictest benchmarks for controlling pollutants such as nitrogen oxide (NOx). This will contribute to improved air quality, particularly in major urban centres.
