62 columns! Malaysia and China signed a US$2.4 billion lease agreement for new passenger trains

Malaysia Minister of Transport said on Wednesday that Malaysia plans to procure new passenger trains worth US$2.4 billion for national railway company Malaya Railways Berhad (KTMB) through a lease agreement with China.

Malaysia's Transport Minister Anthony · Roke told reporters that in the first phase from 2024 to 2027, the government plans to purchase 62 new passenger trains at an estimated cost of RM10.7 billion ($2.4 billion), with instalments and a lease period of 30 years.

"The actual cost will be finalized in the near future after the completion of negotiations with the Chinese government. He added that the rental cost will include maintenance, repair and operation services for the train supplier.  

Nearly 90% of the passenger trains in the KTMB network are currently manufactured by CRRC, Luke said. Loke said the government said the deal would help shorten the acquisition time and improve track utilisation, with local services requiring urgent upgrades due to challenges in availability and reliability.   

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