GEORGE TOWN: Penang’s public transportation network now includes its first 15 electric public buses.
A total of 75 electric buses (EV buses) will be operational across the island and mainland by March 2027, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced on Saturday (Oct 17).
Of the 15 newly launched buses, 14 are compact 8.25-metre models, while one is a standard 12-metre bus.
“Their compact size will allow them to navigate tighter roads and busier areas easily, improving connectivity for commuters,” he said at the official launch at the Rapid Penang depot along Weld Quay (Pengkalan Weld).
The Penang rollout is part of a larger RM200mil procurement phase comprising 250 electric buses split between the Klang Valley and Penang, with 175 allocated to Rapid KL and 75 to Rapid Penang.
As of Oct 13, fleet operator Rapid Bus had received 52 electric buses under this initial tranche, 37 for Rapid KL and 15 for Rapid Penang.
Loke added that dedicated depot charging infrastructure is being installed across operations to ensure efficient daily service and maintenance.
Prasarana Malaysia Berhad’s long-term strategy is to introduce 1,600 electric buses in phases between 2026 and 2031.
While praising the environmental benefits of electric transit, Loke highlighted a potential safety concern: silent electric engines.
“The new buses are environmentally friendly and quieter, which means there is a risk of people not hearing them approach,” Loke warned.
He urged local government authorities, city councils, and urban planning agencies to update traffic management and pedestrian safety measures accordingly.
“I hope the state government, city councils, and stakeholders will take this into account in traffic planning, particularly around pedestrian crossings,” he said.
