KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia plans to pursue a RM10.7 billion (S$3.18 billion) deal to acquire new passenger trains for state rail company Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) via a leasing agreement with China, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said on Aug 14.

       In the first phase from 2024 to 2027, the government aims to acquire 62 new passenger train sets, to be paid for in instalments over a 30-year lease period, Mr Loke told reporters.

       “The actual cost will be finalised following the completion of negotiations with the Chinese government in the near future,” Mr Loke said, adding the leasing costs would include maintenance, repair and operations services by the train suppliers.

       Almost 90 per cent of passenger trains currently in KTMB’s network were manufactured by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation, Mr Loke said.

       The government says the deal will help to cut down acquisition times and improve track utilisation, with local services requiring urgent upgrades due to availability and reliability challenges. REUTERS