Regional rail connectivity to enhance ASEAN’s trade, supply chain

The Malaysia-Thailand rail connectivity to the other parts of the Asian continent, including China, is important in terms of supply chain security and safety, said Malaysian Minister of Transport Anthony Loke Siew Fook.

He told the press following the monthly meeting of the Ministry of Transport that the development of rail infrastructure is important from a regional perspective, not just domestically, with the aim of connecting ASEAN member states through a more strategic railway network.

The minister said the region should make full use of existing railways to improve connectivity, expressing his hope for a consensus to improve the link.

To realize the Pan-Asian Railway Network, Loke said Malaysia is committed to achieving a policy with Thailand that is more supportive of the development of the rail sector.

Loke will meet with Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Juangroongruangkit on May 2 to resolve several issues, including Malaysia’s rail cargo services being able to cross borders and become a major mode in the future.

The Malaysian government has paid due attention to the development of global railway connectivity, seeing it a potential to open up opportunities to the country and enhanced regional cooperation.

Last year, the country kicked start a pilot project called “ASEAN Express”, an initiative between the Keretapi Tanah Bhd (KTMB) and State Railway of Thailand (SRT). The collaboration, which also gathers partners from China, aims to transport cargo from Malaysia to Chongqing, China, with a transit time of nine days.