MRDC Steps Up Efforts To Build Local Rail Industry Capabilities
By Siti Noor Afera Abu
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Rail Development Corporation (MRDC) is stepping up efforts to strengthen local companies’ capabilities in the rail industry.
The initiative aims to help them move beyond supplying and subcontracting towards manufacturing components and providing high-value services, said MRDC acting chief executive officer Nurul Adilah Abd Wahid.
She said the efforts were being undertaken through development programmes focusing on vendor development, technical capability enhancement and localisation to strengthen the country’s rail industry ecosystem.
“Among the key initiatives being developed is equipment-equivalent manufacturing, which aims to build the capabilities of local manufacturers to produce equivalent equipment and components that meet the requirements of the rail industry.
“At the same time, we also have a rolling stock refurbishment initiative to explore opportunities in the repair, upgrading and development of components for train systems, including train components, braking systems, door systems, tracks, rail signalling systems and electrification,” said Nurul Adilah during an interview with Bernama Mobile Studio on the second day of Transport Expo Asia 2026 (TXA 2026).
Held from Oct 20 to 22 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here, TXA 2026 builds on last year’s smaller inaugural edition, providing a dedicated platform to showcase transport technologies and strengthen industry cooperation.
LOCAL VENDORS TO GAIN ACCESS TO ASEAN MARKETS
Nurul Adilah said the initiatives were expected to create more opportunities for local companies to participate in the industry’s supply chain, while gradually reducing reliance on overseas original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
She said efforts to increase local participation needed to be implemented in stages, taking into account the industry’s readiness to adopt and master new technologies.
“This will also open up opportunities for Malaysian companies to participate in global supply chains and access ASEAN markets,” said Nurul Adilah.
She said that MRDC was also prioritising human capital and competency development as the foundation for a sustainable rail industry, considering that the adoption of advanced technologies necessitated a highly skilled workforce.
“We can buy the most advanced trains and technologies in the world, but without a workforce capable of operating and improving those technologies, we have yet to achieve genuine industrial capability,” Nurul Adilah said.
The development of large-scale rail projects, including the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link and urban rail projects, was increasing demand for highly skilled workers.
Based on MRDC’s projections, the country’s rail industry will require at least 10,000 workers by 2030 to meet the needs of rail system development, operations and maintenance.
TALENT DEVELOPMENT, INDUSTRY STANDARDS TO DRIVE RAIL ECOSYSTEM
Nurul Adilah said MRDC, as an industry lead body appointed by the Human Resources Ministry, was responsible for coordinating industry competency requirements in the development of training and certification programmes.
To this end, MRDC is developing the National Rail Centre of Excellence to bring together expertise from academic institutions, universities, industry players and stakeholders in rail talent and technology development.
The centre will adopt an approach comprising a main centre of excellence, satellite centres and training factories to coordinate training and better align workforce skills with actual industry requirements.
In terms of industry standards, MRDC has developed 16 Malaysian Rail Industry Standards, covering 10 trackwork components and six train components, to reduce reliance on foreign standards and support the implementation of future rail projects.
Nurul Adilah said the success of the country’s rail industry development should not be measured solely by the length of track built, but also by the ability of local industry players to master technology, develop expertise and create economic opportunities for Malaysians.
Held under the theme “Future on the Move: Accelerating Next-Gen Transport”, TXA 2026 provides 15,000 square metres of exhibition space, bringing together industry players, government representatives and international partners.
-- BERNAMA