The Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Center (MGCC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Malaya Green Builder Energy Sdn Bhd (MGBE) and KC Express Co Ltd (KC Express), a Taiwanese firm specializing in total mobility solutions for the introduction of electric buses in Malaysia. MGTC is a government agency under the purview of Ministry of Environment mandated to lead the nation in the areas of green growth, climate change mitigation and climate resilience and adaptation.
This is part of Malaysia’s plan to support its cities transitioning to low carbon through foreign direct investment. MGCC estimates that up to MYR 150 million (USD 34 million) of investments from potential investors will be required to have 100 electric buses for public transit. Several implementation mechanisms will be explored, including outright purchase, leasing and transit-oriented developments.
Presently, the national utility company, Tenaga Nasional Berhad is implementing a trial project using three electric-vehicle (EV) buses at the Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN). Meanwhile, in East Malaysia, Sarawak Energy is testing three hydrogen-powered EV buses in the state of Kuching. Prior to this, Malaysia carried out several electric bus pilot projects. This includes the Putra NEDO EV Bus project involving four electric buses which was launched in December 2017 in Putrajaya, and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Sunway involving 15 EV buses, which was commenced in June 2015 by Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd, the largest bus operator in the country.
(Sources: Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Center; The Malaysian Reserve)
