Latest news with #Higer
BusinessToday
3 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
3 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
3 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
3 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.
Forbes
26-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas To Promote Travel, Sustainability In Shanghai This Week
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas will travel to Shanghai this week as part of efforts to deepen what he has described as an 'excellent relationship' with the global business and innovation hub. The May 28–30 visit follows the formal signing of a sister city agreement between Athens and Shanghai in Greece's capital in January. 'The twinning of the two cities strengthens their cooperation across a wide range of areas of mutual interest, including tourism, culture, sports, entrepreneurship and innovation, education, urban regeneration, resilience, and sustainability,' the mayor's office said via email. During his first official visit to Shanghai, Mayor Doukas will explore new opportunities in sustainable mobility, tourism and innovation, according to the statement from his office. To that end, he will participate in ITB China, a three-day travel and trade fair being held in Shanghai this week that ranks among the largest of its kind in the country. Last year, China's Juneyao Airlines launched direct flights between Athens and Shanghai, reportedly boosting Chinese tourist arrivals to Greece by 30%. Doukas—who continues to serve as a professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens—is also scheduled to meet with Chinese electric bus manufacturer Higer. 'The meeting will serve as a starting point for the exchange of know-how and best practices in sustainable transportation, as the city of Athens is considering the launch of a municipal commuter service using electric vehicles,' the mayor's office said. According to his official biography, Doukas has nearly two decades of experience in designing policies and programs to promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy management at both the national and European levels, as well as in Africa and the Arab states of the Persian Gulf. Doukas has also been invited to speak at the opening of the Shanghai International Friendship Cities Cooperation Forum 2025. He is scheduled to take part in a session focusing on how cities monitor environmental pollution and promote the sustainable recycling of social resources through green and low-carbon transformation—advancing long-term sustainable development, his office said. In addition, he will visit the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, or COMAC, and the Greek department of the Shanghai International Studies University, and speak at a dinner hosted by popular Greek-themed Shanghai venue Hellas House. Greece, which faced a major economic crisis a decade ago, has since experienced a strong rebound and a booming tourism sector under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Morgan Stanley forecasts Greek GDP growth of 2.2% in 2025. Major Chinese investors in Greece include COSCO Shipping and State Grid. In an interview with Forbes China in Athens last month, Doukas expressed optimism about expanding ties with Shanghai. 'Technology transfer and other areas of expertise are critical for us. We have many things to discuss in those sectors," he said. "Furthermore, culturally, both cities have a long history and rich culture. We strongly believe that a multicultural environment is essential nowadays. Finally, Shanghai has made important strides in creating a green urban environment. A sustainable, green Athens is a major priority for our city, and this is an important element of our cooperation with Shanghai,' Doukas said. 'We believe it's vital to understand the changes brought by digitalization and to create smart neighborhoods, where waste management, lighting, and citizen participation are all interconnected. Shanghai has achieved important results with cutting-edge technology,' he added. Other prominent Athens-based visitors in Shanghai this week include Antigoni Lymperopoulos, CEO of the Hellenic Development Bank of Investments, or HDBI, and Panagiotis Karampinis, CEO of Endeavor Greece.
