THE Finance Ministry has committed RM1.9 billion to Prasarana Malaysia Bhd for the purchase of 1,560 new buses over a three-year period, as part of an ongoing effort to improve public transport infrastructure.
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan announced that the new fleet would consist of both diesel and electric buses, with 310 diesel-engine buses marking the final batch of such vehicles for the system. The remaining buses will be electric vehicles (EVs), in line with the government's green transport agenda.
"The 310 diesel buses will begin arriving from June this year, while 250 electric buses are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025," said Amir Hamzah. "Additionally, 1,000 more EV buses will be added to the fleet in phases, bringing the total investment to RM1.9 billion."
He was speaking at a press conference following the launch of Prasarana's new RapidKL On-Demand open payment system, an initiative designed to make public transport more flexible and accessible. The launch was attended by Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
RapidKL On-Demand, which was previously known as the Demand Response Team, operates a fleet of 110 vans across 37 zones in the Klang Valley and Penang. This service provides a vital feeder option to the main RapidKL network, enabling passengers to connect to larger transport hubs more easily.
In addition to the buses, Amir Hamzah revealed that the government has allocated RM55 million to purchase 320 additional vans. These new vehicles are expected to operate across 101 zones by June 2025, further expanding the reach of on-demand services.
"This is all part of the government's broader effort to enhance public transport infrastructure and make life better for the people," he explained. "One of the key complaints about public transport is the challenge of first- and last-mile connectivity. By expanding the RapidKL On-Demand service, we can increase the number of pickup points and make public transport more accessible for everyone."
The initiative is part of a wider commitment to improve public transport options across Malaysia, supporting efforts to reduce traffic congestion and promote sustainable travel..– March 27, 2025
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