Malaysia Launches 4 Chinese-Made Trains

Malaysia launched four Chinese-made electric trains for urban public transport on Thursday, March 8, 2012.

These are first of the 38 six-coach trains bought by Malaysia for 1.89 billion ringgit ($626.65 million) from Chinese electric train-maker Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Co. Ltd.

Prime Minister Najib Razak said the trains will ease commuters' distress with a shorter travel time. The remaining 34 trains will be rolled out in stages by July.

Malaysia's main rail operator Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) will operate them.

The train has a maximum speed of 120 kmph and hauling capacity of 1,100 passengers.