Malaysia is preparing for a new era in public transportation with electric buses set to begin operations under the Rapid bus network in 2026. Transport minister Anthony Loke confirmed that Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, the nation’s primary public transport operator, has completed the acquisition of its final batch of diesel-powered buses. This move marks the company’s shift towards cleaner, more sustainable transport solutions.
According to Loke, the tender process for the electric buses has concluded, and the government is now finalizing the appointment of the selected vendor. Delivery of the new electric buses is expected to take approximately 12 months. A key requirement of the tender was that all electric buses must be assembled locally in Malaysia, despite most manufacturers being based overseas. As part of this, only companies with Malaysian partnerships or local incorporation will be eligible to supply the buses.
“This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing public transport through environmentally friendly and low-carbon alternatives,” Loke said during a press briefing.
The final batch of diesel buses, totalling 310 units, was produced by Chinese manufacturer Higer. While components were imported from China, the buses themselves were assembled in Johor, fulfilling local assembly (CKD) requirements. These diesel buses, ordered earlier this year, represent the last internal combustion engine vehicles to be added to Prasarana’s fleet.
Loke confirmed that the transition to electric buses is already underway, with 250 units secured under the recent tender exercise. Once operational, these buses will help reduce carbon emissions and align with Malaysia’s broader sustainability targets in the transport sector.
The introduction of electric buses signifies a major step forward in Malaysia’s public transport infrastructure, with a clear shift towards sustainable mobility solutions set to reshape urban commuting in the years ahead.
