KUALA LUMPUR: Electric buses are expected to debut next year under the Rapid service, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
"The tender process has ended and we are in the process of appointing the vendor.
“The delivery of the buses will take around 12 months,” he told reporters after an unveiling ceremony for RapidKL and RapidPenang's new diesel-powered buses here on Monday (July 14).
Loke said that among the requirements for the electric bus tender was that the vehicles must be assembled in the country, or completely knocked down (CKD).
He added that even though the manufacturers are from overseas, the tender requirement is for them to have a local partner.
“The tender will be awarded to companies that have Malaysian partners, or that are incorporated here,” he added.
The diesel buses that arrived today would also be the last batch bought by Rapid services operator Prasarana, he said in his speech earlier.
He added that this was to make way for the more environmentally friendly electric buses.
“This is in line with the government’s commitments to transition to more sustainable, environmentally friendly and low-carbon public transport systems,” he said.
Prasarana will receive 310 diesel-powered buses manufactured by Chinese company Higer.
Loke said the vehicle components are made in China but the buses were assembled in Johor.
He said this was part of the country’s support for technology transfer and the local automotive industry's development.
