KTMB has announced plans to expand its fleet by procuring 62 trains from China-based CRRC in a deal valued at approximately USD2.4 billion in Malaysia. The acquisition, which includes 36 three-car electric multiple units (EMUs), 12 six-car EMUs, and 14 six-car diesel multiple units (DMUs), aims to nearly double KTMB’s current fleet and boost track utilisation to 45 per cent by 2027.
The procurement will be managed under a lease agreement spread over 30 years, with the first phase of delivery scheduled from 2024 to 2027. CRRC will also handle the maintenance, repair, and operations of the fleet during the contract period. Additionally, the government of Malaysia will take a majority stake in the CRRC Zhuzhou rolling stock centre in Batu Gajah.
