Govt sets up MRDC, aims to improve railway industry
from The Malaysian Reserve
The government has agreed to establish the Malaysian Railway Development Corp (MRDC) which will be used as a coordinating centre for the development of the country’s integrated railway industry.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (picture) said the establishment aims to increase the country’s capability and expertise in the international railway industry.
“In principle, the Cabinet has approved the MRDC project which also acts as a platform to improve the industrial plan holistically.
“The procurement policy will give priority to qualified and quality local rail industry including developing rail projects in the Asian region,” he said in a press conference after officiating the Rail Technology Expo (RTX) in KL Sentral today.
Wee added that through MRDC, the talent of local youths and children will be developed professionally, in line with the government’s aspiration to improve the country’s potential in the public transport sector.
In the meantime, the minister said the government has allocated almost RM150 billion for financing the cost of infrastructure and the railway system.
He noted that it is supplemented by the procurement of Electric Train Services 3 which is expected to operate in 2024 through the Gemas-Johor Baru Electric Double Track project.
“In addition to that, the Ministry of Transport (MoT) takes the level of passenger safety seriously so that it is always guaranteed by ensuring that the maintenance, repair and overhaul programme can also be planned efficiently and effectively,” he said.
The RTX 2022 exhibition — which is happening for four days starting today — aims to be the best platform for local rail industry players to introduce products and share knowledge.
In addition, it also provides awareness about the latest development and rail technology, promoting the capabilities and capacity of the industry.
A total of 55 companies consisting of government agencies, local and international companies and higher educational institutions participated in the exhibition.
The exhibition also saw the exchange of letter of award, memorandum of agreement, memorandum of understanding, certificate submission and ONTrack’s first edition bulletin submission.
Commenting on the expo, Wee said MoT aims to attract about 3,000 visitors consisting of government officials, private sector, professionals, public, and university students who will participate in various events throughout the four days.
He hoped that RTX 2022 can be a field for local industry players to collaborate and connect to further develop their respective industries and businesses.
“Looking at the very good response from everyone, MoT will continue to organise this RTX and it will be held every two years,” he noted.
In a separate development, Wee said the engagement session with the Malaysian P-Hailing Shippers Association this morning gave a clear picture of the implementation of the registration method to be introduced by the government for p-hailing.
According to him, the misconception that occurred earlier is now considered to be over because no new license has been introduced to p-hailing, and instead only a special registration system will be implemented.
“This system helps the government to provide appropriate assistance to p-hailing industry players in addition to taking care of their welfare and providing justice for them.
“MoT will also provide a moratorium for early registration once the amendment to the Road Transport Act 1987 is passed,” he said.