Malaysia Showcases Railway Manufacturing, MRO Strength At ARCEOs 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s railway manufacturing and maintenance capabilities took centre stage at the ASEAN Railways Chief Executive Officers’ Conference (ARCEOs) 2025, as regional delegates visited SMH Rail Sdn Bhd in Klang and M Rail Technics Sdn Bhd (Railtec) in Seremban.
The five-day conference, held from Sept 8 to 12, brought together ASEAN railway leaders to explore innovative strategies and solutions to shared business, technical and operational challenges.
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) chief operating officer and ARCEOs 2025 vice chairman Afzar Zakariya said the Klang visit was particularly significant as SMH Rail is also an official strategic partner of the conference.
“The selection of SMH Rail as a visit location is meaningful as it highlights that Malaysia has a local company capable of producing its own locomotives and wagons.
“This proves that the national railway industry does not solely depend on external sources, but can stand strong with its own capabilities, expertise and innovation,” he told reporters recently during the visit.
Delegates witnessed first-hand SMH Rail’s rolling stock manufacturing as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities. The showcase featured various innovations, including the development of new locomotives and wagons, reflecting the progress of Malaysia’s railway industry.
Afzar said the visit clearly embodied the spirit of ARCEOs 2025’s theme, “Driving Innovation, Connecting Borders”.
“What SMH Rail has demonstrated today is clear evidence that local innovation and expertise can bring significant benefits not only to Malaysia, but also to the wider ASEAN railway network,” he added.
Following the Klang programme, ASEAN railway CEOs and their delegations proceeded to Railtec in Seremban, another official strategic partner of ARCEOs 2025.
KTMB acting group chief executive officer and ARCEOs 2025 chairman Ahmad Nizam Mohamed Amin said the selection of Railtec underscored the strength and pride of the national railway industry.
“Malaysia has local enterprises capable of providing the highest Level 4 MRO services in railway maintenance. During the visit, delegates were able to witness Railtec’s deep maintenance capabilities, including the latest MRO systems,” he said.
Ahmad Nizam added that the expertise demonstrated at Railtec reflects Malaysia’s innovation and excellence, benefiting not only the domestic market but also showing strong potential at the ASEAN regional level.
“I am confident that this ASEAN delegation visit will open up more opportunities to strengthen the regional railway industry and further enhance Malaysia’s reputation internationally,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
