KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Rail Dialogue 2022 (Marid 2022) is one of Putrajaya's initiatives with stakeholders to improve the local rail industry, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       "The dialogue session came at the right time and it is part of efforts by the government and industry players to improve the capacity and expertise of the local rails that will greatly benefit the Malaysian railway industry," the Transport Minister said Dr Wee on Monday (Jan 24) morning.

       Marid 2022 was organised by the National Rail Centre of Excellence (NRCOE) at Putrajaya.

       "It was attended by more than 200 participants who were made up of representatives from ministries, government agencies, academicians, and industry players from various fields across the country," Dr Wee said.

       Dr Wee said Marid 2022 spoke about a variety of issues concerning the local rail industry, which centred on development and the direction of future policies.

       Meanwhile, Dr Wee said future rail projects in the country would require nearly 100,000 individuals consisting of professionals, skilled and semi-skilled talents.

       "Therefore, the Transport Ministry has a vision to transform the local rail industry to a sustainable and strong business sector, that is able to meet the demands of local and international industry players to optimise the use of local resources and technology," added Dr Wee.

       The MCA president said Putrajaya, through the Transport Ministry, will continue providing support and guidance to local industry players intending to upskill and improve their respective facilities and capacities.

       Among those who attended Marid 2022 were Transport Ministry secretary-general Datuk Isham Ishak, deputy secretary-general (policy) Normah Osman, deputy secretary-general (management) Datuk Razali Mohamad and several academicians.