A Chinese train maker signed a deal on Tuesday to sell 22 electric multiple units (EMUs) to Malaysia, which will be delivered by the end of 2018.
CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co signed a contract with Malaysia's transportation ministry for 13 hybrid EMUs and nine modern super EMUs, domestic news portal chinanews.com reported. The contract is worth 1.32 billion yuan ($192 million).
The 13 hybrid EMUs will be made specifically for Malaysia. They will have a one-meter track gauge and super power capacity, according to the report. The maximum trail speed is 100 kilometers per hour, and the passenger capacity is as high as 500 people.
In 2014, CRRC Zhuzhou made meter-gauge EMUs with the world's highest operating speed. The nine modern super EMUs are an addition to the meter gauge EMUs that got off the production line in 2014. Besides, all-around upgrades have been made, such as an increase of the first-class carriage and smart doors, and lowering air conditioners' wind speed and noise.
All of the nine EMUs are made in Malaysia, according to chinanews.com.
Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said at the ceremony that CRRC Zhuzhou's products and services provide not only convenience to local people but also large quantities of jobs, boosting the development of the local economy. He said he hopes the two sides can together create new cooperative models.
Since entering the Malaysian market in 2010, CRRC Zhuzhou has established two subsidiaries and one joint venture in the country, with an employee localization rate surpassing 80 percent.
