Malaysia is set to welcome electric buses on its roads next year under the Rapid service, marking a major step towards greener public transportation.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed that the tender process has concluded and a vendor is in the final stages of being appointed.
“The delivery will take around 12 months,” he said during the launch of RapidKL and RapidPenang’s new diesel-powered buses on Monday (July 14).
Loke explained that one of the key conditions of the electric bus tender is that all vehicles must be assembled locally under the completely knocked down (CKD) model. While the manufacturers may be international, they are required to collaborate with local partners or establish a Malaysian-registered entity.
“This ensures local involvement and supports the domestic automotive industry,” he said.
He also noted that the newly arrived diesel-powered buses—310 units in total—will be the last of their kind purchased by Prasarana, the operator of Rapid services. These buses are manufactured by Chinese company Higer, with components made in China and assembly done in Johor.
“This transition aligns with our national goal to build a more sustainable, eco-friendly, and low-carbon public transport system,” Loke added.
The shift to electric vehicles underscores the government’s broader push for green mobility and positions Malaysia to embrace future-forward, climate-responsible transit solutions.
