ASEAN Express, a new international freight train service, has been launched to connect Malaysia with Thailand, Laos, and China, enhancing trade connectivity in Southeast Asia and China.
This service will link new trade routes and several key inland ports, such as KNICD in Selangor, Perlis Inland Port, Latkrabang in Thailand, and Thanaleng in Laos. It is expected to significantly reduce transit times for goods, for example, from nine days from KNICD to Chongqing compared to 14 to 21 days by sea, and open new opportunities for trade and economic cooperation in the region.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said this new service will improve regional logistics, open new markets, and save local businesses up to 20% in costs. Rail transport will also benefit the agricultural sector by transporting perishable goods faster and having a lower carbon footprint compared to road transport.
The new service will use Malaysian-made "pay-per-use" leased locomotives by KTMB. A total of six locomotives and 204 wagons from SMH Rail in Selangor will be used for two round trips of the ASEAN Express per week. Each trip will carry 40 TEU containers from KNICD, passing through Thailand and Laos to China, with plans to increase the frequency to daily.
KTMB Chief Executive Datuk Mohd Rani Hisham Samsudin expressed his pride in this new service, showcasing ASEAN and Malaysia's competitiveness in the global market. This project demonstrates KTMB's technical expertise and innovation and strengthens their position in the railway industry.
ASEAN Express has the potential to handle up to 20,000 TEU per year from China to ASEAN, opening significant opportunities for trade and economic growth. This service is expected to enhance economic integration and promote regional development.
