Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook stated that the Ministry of Transport will visit Bangkok, Thailand, in March or April this year to strengthen the cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand in the railway sector.
He said that the Ministry had received an invitation from the Thai Transport Minister to discuss related topics, and Thailand's support and cooperation are crucial for ensuring the implementation of the Trans-Asian Railway project.
“For the Trans-Asian Railway, we are working with the Malaysian Railway Company (KTMB) and the State Railway of Thailand. Currently, there is already the ASEAN Express freight service between Malaysia and China, although with fewer trips, but we hope to improve it.
“When it comes to the Trans-Asian Railway, Thailand's cooperation is important. Without their support, our trains cannot reach the north. There is already infrastructure in place, so there is indeed room to improve railway projects between the two sides.”
He said this to the media after attending the handover of Model 93 electric double-track trains to the Ministry of Transport, at the MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) project by M Rail Technics Sdn Bhd.
Previously, media reported that the Ministry of Transport hopes to expedite the railway network construction plan connecting Malaysia and China.
In addition, Loke Siew Fook mentioned that the MRO service field not only supports infrastructure development, but it is also an important factor driving economic and social growth, in line with Malaysia's vision to become a regional railway transport hub.
“To achieve the goal of 80% railway usage in Peninsular Malaysia by 2030, the government has developed phased plans to increase nationwide passenger train services, targeting the operation of 299 passenger trains nationwide.
“Since the government has made substantial investments in railway infrastructure such as MRT and LRT, it is necessary to fully utilize this opportunity to make Malaysia a leader in MRO.”