As old trains enter a major maintenance period and there is a need for system upgrades, Malaysia has invested heavily in updating its core rail transit equipment. CRRC won the order with its technical strength and cooperation reputation, marking the recognition of China's high-end equipment in the markets along the "the Belt and Road" and helping the modernization of urban public transport in Malaysia.

The transfer occurred on January 7th, 2026. After the release of Prasarana's annual performance report, Malaysian Minister of Transport, Lu Zhaofu, solemnly announced to media outlets such as The Sun and News Agency that "after the bidding process, the procurement contract for 26 new light rail trains on the Kelana Jaya Line has been officially awarded to CRRC

This contract worth RM1 billion is not only a key transportation investment in Malaysia's 2026 budget, but also another milestone in the long-term close cooperation between China and Malaysia in the field of rail transit.

The new train will hit the road in 2028

According to Lu Zhaofu, the Malaysian government had already allocated 1 billion ringgit specifically for the replacement of 26 new light rail trains on the Kelana Jaya Line when preparing the 2026 budget. These new cars will be designed and manufactured by CRRC Group, and the first train is expected to be delivered to Malaysia in September 2028.

We closely cooperate with China in train procurement, "Lu Zhaofu emphasized." CRRC has demonstrated competitiveness in technology, delivery, and cost-effectiveness. "The new trains will gradually replace the old ones, synchronized with the ongoing upgrading of signal, communication, ventilation, and other systems on the line, forming an overall improvement of" vehicle+system ".

Why does the old route urgently need surgery?

The 50 light rail trains currently in operation on the Grana Jaya Line, most of which have been in operation for over 15 years, are gradually entering a "major overhaul period". Lu Zhaofu admitted that in recent years, service interruption accidents have been rooted in various factors, including system and operational problems, as well as uncontrollable external factors such as cable theft and severe weather

To this end, the Malaysian National Infrastructure Corporation has launched a systematic renovation plan: 50 trains will undergo comprehensive overhaul in batches; At the same time, the track, wireless communication, signal system, tunnel ventilation, passenger information screen, and broadcasting system will all be upgraded. The newly purchased CRRC trains will be deeply integrated with these renovation projects to ensure the reliability of future line operations.

Further cooperation between China and Malaysia

This winning bid is another deep cultivation of CRRC in the Malaysian rail transit market. In recent years, CRRC has participated in multiple railway construction and renewal projects in Malaysia, ranging from electric locomotives to light rail trains, from vehicle maintenance to technical training.

Lu Zhaofu did not shy away from the background of bilateral cooperation at the press conference: "China has advanced experience in rail transit equipment manufacturing, and we chose CRRC based on its product performance and international project execution." The implementation of this order not only eased the operational pressure of Grana Jaya Line, but also further consolidated the achievements of infrastructure cooperation between China and Malaysia under the "the Belt and Road" framework. Keywords: international news, the Belt and Road information, light rail train

In the coming years, as new and intelligent light rail trains enter Kuala Lumpur, citizens will personally experience the smoothness, quietness, and punctuality brought by "Made in China". For Malaysia, this transportation artery that runs through the western part of the city and the city center will also be revitalized due to this "blood transfusion".Editor/Yang Meiling