Kuala Lumpur and Penang to receive more than 1,000 electric buses with Prasarana aiming to full zero emission operations by 2037

Prasarana Malaysia has outlined plans to introduce more than 1,000 electric buses across Kuala Lumpur and Penang as part of its long-term Sustainability Blueprint. The initiative forms a core component of the organisation’s strategy to electrify 30 percent of its bus fleet and cut carbon emissions by 45 percent by 2030, as reported by trade agency Electrive.

Prasarana Malaysia is the government-owned company that oversees much of the country’s public transport network. It operates the Rapid KL, Rapid Penang and Rapid Kuantan bus services, as well as key rail lines in Kuala Lumpur.

Prasarana aims to zero emission bus operations in 2037

The transition begins with a final procurement round of 310 diesel buses scheduled for delivery in March 2026. Prasarana describes this order as the last conventional fleet acquisition before the organisation commits fully to electric technology, completing its shift to zero-emission operations by 2037. The phased rollout supports Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap, which positions public transport as a key pillar in the move toward low-carbon mobility.

The operator currently runs 15 electric buses, deployed on the BRT Sunway Line since 2015. Under the new roadmap, approximately 1,100 e-buses will be added between 2025 and 2030, supplemented by 150 electric feeder buses dedicated to the LRT Shah Alam Line.

Alongside procurement, Prasarana is reportedly working to build internal capabilities required for its expanded electric fleet. The programme includes structured training for drivers, technical personnel, and depot staff, with a particular focus on safety protocols and incident response for high-voltage systems. Fire-suppression awareness and emergency-handling procedures are being integrated into staff certification processes to ensure operational readiness before new vehicles enter service.