Speech by Minister of Transport Malaysia Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai Signing of Agreement between Express Rail Link & Changchun Railway Vehicles Co. Ltd for the purchase of new trains Tuesday, 25th November 2014 • YBhg. Tan Sri Mohd. Nadzmi Mohd. Salleh, Executive Chairman of Express Rail Link • YB. Datuk Seri Panglima Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim, Chairman of Lembaga Tabung Haji • YBhg. Tan Sri Dato Seri (Dr) Yeoh Tiong Lay, Executive Chairman of YTL Corporation Berhad • YBhg. Dato’ Yeoh Seok Hong, Director of YTL Corporation Berhad • Mr. Wang Run, Chairman of Changchun Railway Vehicles Company Limited • Your Excellency Dr Huang Hui Kang, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Malaysia • Board of Directors of Express Rail Link • Puan Noormah Mohd Noor, Chief Executive Officer of Express Rail Link A very good morning, Salam Sejahtera & Salam 1Malaysia. I would like to thank Express Rail Link (ERL) for inviting me to attend and witness the Signing Ceremony that will take place shortly between ERL and Changchun Railway Vehicles Company Ltd. (CRC). Envisioning the future What is unique about the ERL project, Malaysia’s first high-speed rail link, is that it was part of a larger master plan – the crucial link between the idea of KLIA as a world-class international airport, and the development of Kuala Lumpur as a modern, global centre of commercial, cultural and intellectual exchange. For over 12 years now, the ERL line has remained at the heart of this dual aspiration, connecting two principal hubs and interfaces with other key modes of transport. The first achievements are impressive. I must congratulate ERL and Tan Sri Mohd Nadzmi for having the foresight to lay standard-gauge tracks instead of metre gauge that will allow high speed trains to run on them one day. Even more impressive are the achievements that have been recorded since that early phase. By the end of this year, almost 60 million passengers would have relied on these trains to make their travel connections. As a nation, we have come to learn that to construct impressive world-class structures and systems is one thing, but to maintain them in good condition, and in such a way as to extract their full value and potential over time, is quite another. I am pleased to see that since its inception, ERL has consistently delivered dependable service of the highest standards. ERL did not just introduce cutting-edge technology and infrastructure; much more importantly, it introduced a new mindset which its people have applied with success, and values which we as a nation must learn to internalise, such as punctuality, speed, efficiency and dependability. Budget 2015 and Urban Public Transportation System Ladies and gentlemen, By the year 2020, Malaysia’s population is expected to hit 35 million. In 2010, 67 per cent of Malaysia’s total population were living in urban centres. This is expected to grow to 75 per cent by 2020 with greater urbanization. This trend in urbanization, brought about by economic progress and prosperity has increased the pressure on public transport. The GTP Urban Public Transport National Key Results Area emphasises the need to raise public transport modal share in urban areas. The current ratio of 17% to 25% by 2015; and to 40% modal share by 2030. The Government has invested over RM50 billion in public transportation since 1990. Usage of public transport has resulted in fuel saving, reduced congestion, enhanced economic return to investment and slashed the carbon footprint. The Government is expected to spend an estimated RM160bil more on rail-related projects by 2020. In the recent Budget 2015, about RM32 billion has been allocated for the infrastructure of MRT2 and LRT3 with another RM150 million allocated to upgrade the east coast railway line. This shows the Government’s commitment in improving public transportation system. With the extension of the MRT2 and LRT3 lines, residents who are living in the suburban areas outside Kuala Lumpur will have convenient access to the city. High Speed Rail (HSR) Project – using ERTMS (European Railway Traffic Management System) The development of Malaysia’s public transportation infrastructure is not focused only on Kuala Lumpur or the Klang Valley. There has been significant infrastructure development and investments in the long-distance land transport sector. This is to cater for the strong increase in demand for inter-urban rail. As mentioned by Tan Sri Mohd Nadzmi earlier in his speech, one such highly anticipated development is the High Speed Rail (HSR) line between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. This project has understandably generated a lot of interest from rail operators as well as train manufacturers. The HSR is of great economic importance to our country, and the spillover effects of such an undertaking will mean that our government will have to carefully consider all aspects to ensure that there is maximum benefit for the rakyat. Public-Private Partnership Ladies and gentlemen, The ERL project reflects the strong public-private partnership that has always been a hallmark of Malaysia’s formula for success. The Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Finance, the Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department were instrumental in realising the ERL project. S.P.A.D. and many other Government departments and agencies have also played important roles and will continue to do so in the future. Today, ERL is entering into an agreement with a reputable manufacturer, Changchun Railway Vehicles Company Ltd. (CRC) of China that will see CRC supplying new trains to ERL. This essentially provides 50% additional capacity to cater to the increasing number of travellers. I am very happy to note that this signifies yet another milestone in the good bilateral relations between Malaysia and China. The strengthening of Malaysia and China bilateral relations As many of you know, this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China. Our Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak’s successful visit to China at the end of May this year had a very positive impact on both countries. We have agreed to improve our strategic partnership to be more comprehensive. It will not only cover the business and the economic aspect, but entails working together in all areas including finance, tourism, politics, defense, internal security, and science & technology. With China’s proven capability in designing and manufacturing quality rolling stock, I am positive that CRC will be able to supply the additional trains and meet all ERL’s operational requirements. And more importantly, the expectations of our travelling public. Conclusion I would like to congratulate ERL and CRC for signing this agreement today. The new trains will offer excellent quality, exceptional comfort and high reliability and I am confident that ERL will see an improved ridership for both KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit. I believe ERL will continue to be a catalyst in helping us realise our national aspirations as we forge ahead with the Economic Transformation Programme. Thank you.
Posted on: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 06:18:54 +0000
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