Cooperation agreements have been signed between MARA Corporation and CRRC Corporation and the China Electrical Equipment Group to explore business ventures in the areas of renewable energy, maintenance and repair of EV buses, as well as solar energy storage and batteries,
The initiative by the group of companies under the Majlia Amanah Rakyat was the first step in helping the government change public transportation from being diesel-powered, to EVs, said deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The deputy prime minister witnessed the signing of the collaboration, which included the memorandum of understanding , memorandum of agreement and letter of intent between SKS Coach Builders and CRRC Corporation; MARALiner and SKS Coach Builders; and MARA Corporation and China Electrical Equipment Group.
“We see that in the long run, this will reduce carbon emissions and be cheaper than using diesel. However, I will discuss it in detail with the transport minister regarding the stipulated period for the conversion of the 60,000 diesel buses to EVs,” Ahmad Zahid said. MARA Corporation, through MARALiner intends to be a leader in the supply of EV buses, including direct sales and leasing for public and government transport, and is estimated to involve around 800 buses valued at around RM960 million, Bernama reported.