Dr Wee: Malaysia to continue rail cooperation with South Korea

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is hoping to continue its strong cooperation with South Korean rail industry players to develop Malaysia’s talent in the industry, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The Transport Minister said that KTM Berhad has had a long fruitful relationship with Hyundai Rotem as they were still using the trainmaker’s Class 83 and 91 trains.

“It is a testimony to their durability and reliability with great support and service from Korea.

“We hope to continue this cooperation with more localisation of their technologies so we can integrate their experience and knowledge to develop Malaysian rail talent,” said Dr Wee.

He said this in a Facebook post, adding that he received a courtesy visit from several major South Korean industry captains.

“KTMB currently has staff undergoing training in Korea and with more trainees to be sent soon,” he said.

Among those who visited him at his office in Putrajaya on Monday (June 13) include Hyundai Corp’s representative in Kuala Lumpur, its managing director Park Geunhwa, Hyundai Rotem Malaysia head Min Jun Sung, EP Korea Railway senior managing director Yoo Jai Tark, and Maglev MKC chairman Chung Dong Wan.

Also present during the meeting were KTMB chief executive officer Rani Hisham and the Ministry’s director-general of rail Shahriman Shafein.

Dr Wee added that his Ministry is also in the process of bringing more partners with knowledge and experience to Malaysia’s National Rail Centre of Excellence.

“We are working out the details to collaborate and work with the Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI) to enhance our training in railway and highway speed technical knowledge,” he said.

Dr Wee said he was also briefed by Yoo on their plans for a maglev system in Putrajaya, adding that his Ministry would be holding further discussions soon with the Ministry of Federal Territories on developing such a monorail system for Putrajaya.

He said that the discussions will be on its integration with other rail systems and transportation systems.