SHAH ALAM, May 4 — Prasarana Malaysia Bhd aims to convert its entire public bus fleet to electric power by 2037, marking a significant shift away from diesel as part of efforts to modernise Malaysia’s public transport system and meet national decarbonisation goals.
The shift to electric buses is integral to its long-term strategic plan and will be implemented in phases, taking into consideration infrastructure readiness, energy supply systems, operational costs, service requirements and the need for a smooth transition, The Star reported.
“There are no plans to procure new diesel-powered buses. The focus will instead be on acquiring electric buses for future fleet expansion and replacement,” a company spokesperson said.
“Prasarana remains committed to supporting the sustainability agenda while reducing our carbon footprint in line with the country’s aspirations.”
Prasarana subsidiary Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd recently awarded a contract to procure 250 electric buses, with the first batch expected to begin operations next month.
The company said electric buses have already been deployed for its Sunway Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service, the world’s first BRT system operating on an elevated route using fully electric buses.
Since its inception in 2015, the service has operated 15 electric buses exclusively along the elevated corridor in Bandar Sunway and Subang Jaya.
“This implementation demonstrates that electric bus technology is both viable and effective within the local operating environment.”
Prasarana’s plan to transition to a fully electric fleet comes amid the ongoing global energy crisis following the West Asia conflict, which has pushed fuel prices higher.
For the April 30 to May 6 period, the retail price of unsubsidised diesel in Peninsular Malaysia is set at RM5.12 per litre.
RON97 retails at RM4.90 per litre while unsubsidised RON95 is currently RM3.97 per litre, although the government has maintained the subsidised price of RON95 at RM1.99.
