By Ashley Karen
Malaysian Transport Minister, Anthony Loke Siew Fook, stated that as per the close cooperation with China on several projects in the railway sector, Malaysia’s railway sector is growing fast.
In a recent interview, Loke claimed that this collaboration has not only generated jobs but also has issued an essential driving force behind the country’s efforts to expand its railway sector via technology and skills transfer, particularly with the participation of local enterprises.
After mentioning two great examples of such cooperation in Malaysia, Loke stated that the country has benefitted from them and improved its capacity in the sector. Examples of these collaborations are namely the China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC), Rolling Stock Center based in Perak state and the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), Malaysia’s mega rail project being constructed by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).
Zooming in on the Rolling Stock Center, China’s first overseas manufacturing base of its kind, concentrating on manufacturing, overhaul plus service and maintenance, Loke declared that the majority of its workforce are locals with the purpose of eventual technology transfers.
He said: “Their policy is to employ as many locals as possible,”
“Going forward, it must be a win-win situation. It must benefit both sides,” Loke added.
He continued that the ECRL had been a pleasant experience for Malaysia: “It is a direct involvement from Chinese companies in this project. And they have the capacity and technology know-how to undertake such a major project. And we look forward to more cooperation in the future.”
The ECRL contains a large locally-sourced workforce with a considerable portion of work being done by Malaysian firms and makes use of high-tech methods comprising advanced Chinese-made TBM to bore some of the longest tunnels in the region.
Loke also asserted: “Malaysia’s transportation industry has also been rejuvenated by the participation of Chinese enterprises. Key projects in Malaysia constructed by Chinese enterprises have delivered a great performance in terms of construction speed, technological construction and project image.”
“In the future, Malaysia will upgrade its public transportation system and develop an Intelligent Transportation System. We hope more Chinese enterprises will take part in the projects,” he added.
