KUALA LUMPUR – Prasarana has rolled out its last batch of diesel buses, marking a symbolic shift towards greener public transport as Malaysia moves to phase out fossil-fuel fleets by 2037.
A total of 310 Euro 5-compliant diesel buses were launched under the 2025 Bus Replacement Programme, which Transport Minister Anthony Loke described as a “final procurement” before the country transitions fully to electric buses.
“These buses will improve service quality now, but more importantly, they represent the beginning of the end for diesel in our public transport system,” Loke said at the launch event today, Bernama reported.
Manufactured by Chinese company Higer and fully assembled in Johor, the buses will be deployed in phases on high-demand routes in the Klang Valley and Penang. The move is also intended to support local industry and build technical expertise through technology transfer.
Loke said Higer was selected based on technical, safety and reliability evaluations, and emphasised that the new fleet meets strict Euro 5 emission standards – aimed at reducing pollutants like nitrogen oxide in urban areas.
The diesel units will serve as a stopgap as the ministry prepares for a full electric transition, in line with the National Energy Transition Roadmap and the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021-2030.
“Charging infrastructure, training, and maintenance plans are already in motion. Prasarana is laying the groundwork for the next phase,” Loke said, adding that collaboration from both public and private sectors will be critical to shift more Malaysians towards public transport.
The minister also thanked Prasarana president and CEO Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah, who completed his term today, crediting him for major improvements in both rail and bus operations during his tenure. – July 14, 2025