PETALING JAYA: Opportunities to leverage on Chinese expertise in transport infrastructure should be taken to better our own, says Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

Earlier on Thursday (April 7), the Minister received a courtesy call from China’s Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, where several issues were discussed, including China-Malaysia partnerships.

“With the open tender for the MRT3 project about to begin in May, and the Transport Ministry being put in charge of the feasibility study for the High Speed Rail (HSR) project, I believe we can learn a lot from the experience and expertise of the Chinese professionals in this aspect. The Chinese transportation infrastructure and network is the example for many countries to follow.

“We can localise China’s success stories to strengthen our country’s transport infrastructure, planning, and management,” he said.

He also suggested that Malaysia could consult Chinese experts in flood mitigation.

“Such a collaboration is reflective of the friendship between the two countries, which are ever ready to extend their helping hands to each other in difficult times,” Dr Wee said.

Regarding the MH370 settlement, Ouyang requested that the deadline be extended following requests by next-of-kin, and Dr Wee said that the matter will be looked into.

“We will also inform the family members should there be any updates,” he said.

Several transport infrastructure projects were also discussed including the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, which Dr Wee said was the biggest trade collaboration between Malaysia and China.