THE Penang government today had a better understanding about rolling stock manufacturing, following a visit to the CRRC Rolling Stock Center (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (CRM) in Batu Gajah, Perak.
The briefing session at the plant lasted for almost an hour.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow was present alongside state executive council members, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) delegates and the delegates from the consulate of the People’s Republic of China in Penang.
During the session, Chow was briefed on the company’s capability and its localisation policy by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co. Ltd. Malaysia regional headquarters president Edgar Xie.
Chow and Xie exchanged views and knowledge about producing train cars and their equipment.
Xie told Chow that the plant, based in Batu Gajah, was the first plant with a complete rolling stock portfolio in the country.
He said CRRC ZELC looked forward to gain more support from the Malaysian government to overcome its challenges.
“We are honoured to have participated in a number of the country’s rail development projects, such as light rail vehicles, commuter trains and electric locomotives,” he said.
Chow was happy to visit the facility to know more about the industry.
“The state is happy witness the progress of the plant, especially its localisation effort and performance.
“We hope to learn more from CRRC after our visit here, ” he said.
He expressed his gratitude to the company for its initiatives in the country’s rail projects.
Chow was taken on a tour around the production area.
He also posed for photos with the CRRC’s delegates before joining them for a luncheon.
Founded in 2012, CRRC Rolling Stock Center (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (CRM) is based in Batu Gajah, Perak with a manufacturing base spanning 50 acres.
The plant is hailed as the ‘ASEAN Manufacturing Centre’ as it is one of the most advanced hubs in the region.
It offers all-in-one-stop rail solution; comprising production, testing and refurbishment for extensive rail rolling stock.
Among those present were the People’s Republic of China in Penang Commercial Consul Gong You Ying, Chow’s political secretary Teh Lai Heng, state Works, Utilities and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, Penang Transport Master Plan ( PTMP) special purpose vehicle chief Datuk Lim Hock Seng and Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) Penang chairman Datuk Ooi Eng Hock.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud